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Nicolas Joseph Laurent GilbertFrench poet.
Date of Birth: 15.12.1751
Country:  France |
Content:
- Nicolas Gilbert: A French Poet and Satirist
- Poetic Debut and Disappointment
- Arrival in Paris and Disillusionment
- Literary Feuds and Notoriety
- Literary Legacy
- Influence on Russian Literature
- Posthumous Reputation
Nicolas Gilbert: A French Poet and Satirist
Early Life and EducationNicolas Gilbert was born to modest parents, yet he received a respectable education. He found himself in Nancy without financial means, and he engaged in petty literary work and gave lessons while cherishing hopes of future glory.
Poetic Debut and Disappointment
Gilbert's first attempt at poetry was unsuccessful. He entered a contest in 1772 with his play "Le génie aux prises avec la fortune ou le poète malheureux," but it failed to receive any recognition. This initial setback embittered Gilbert towards society.
Arrival in Paris and Disillusionment
In 1774, Gilbert arrived in Paris with a letter of introduction to d'Alembert, but he was met with indifference by the Encyclopedist circle. This coldness awakened his satirical talent, and he penned a series of biting satires that cleverly mocked contemporary philosophers, societal mores, and prevalent vices.
Literary Feuds and Notoriety
Gilbert's satires made him many enemies, who spread legends about his madness, alcoholism, and suicide. These rumors were unfounded, as were his defenders' claims of his extreme poverty.
Literary Legacy
Gilbert's laudatory odes and poems such as "Le poète malheureux" and "Carnaval des auteurs" hold little literary value. However, "Le XVIII si?cle," "Mon Apologie," and "Ode, imitée de plusieurs psaumes" demonstrate his undeniable talent. "Le XVIII si?cle" rivals the best satires of Boileau, while his "Ode," written a week before his death, is a testament to his poetic genius.
Influence on Russian Literature
The meter and elegiac theme of Gilbert's "Ode, imitée de plusieurs psaumes" influenced several Russian elegies by poets such as Batyushkov and Pushkin.
Posthumous Reputation
Gilbert's complete works were published in 1778, and Charles Nodier published an updated edition in 1840.
