Lautréamont's Maldoror: Translated by Alexis Lykiard Setting & Symbolism

Lautramont's Maldoror: Translated by Alexis Lykiard Objects/Places

Franceappears in throughout

Though few stories make explicit reference to their locations, there are several indications that Maldoror generally stays in France.

Conscienceappears in throughout

Lautreamont depicts conscience as a force God uses to torture men. It is discussed throughout the book, but the most explicit, and creative, scene is in Book II, Stanza 15, in which it is imagined as a flock flying, black octopi.

Prostitutionappears in Book I, Stanza 7

Maldoror makes a pact with Prostitution, a sign of his general repudiation of the moral law.

The Oceanappears in Book I, Stanza 9

Lautreamont contrasts the stability and peacefulness of the ocean with the chaotic nature of men.

Norwayappears in Book I, Stanza 12

Maldoror meets the grave-digger in Norway. The significance of the encounter taking place in Norway—aside from establishing Maldoror as an even more extreme outsider than he normally is—is not clear.

Mathematicsappears in Book II, Stanza 10

Lautreamont praises mathematics for its constancy and logicality, especially when juxtaposed with the inconstancy and irrationality of men.

The Cathedral Lampappears in Book II, Stanza 11

Maldoror attempts to convince a cathedral lamp to stop serving religion.