Rene Char French poet Date of Birth: 14.06.1907 Country: France

1. Biography of René Char
2. Separation from the Surrealist Group
3. Recognition and Later Life
4. Literary Works and Recognition

Biography of René Char

René Char, a French poet, was one of the greatest lyricists of the 20th century. In 1929, he met André Breton, Louis Aragon, and other surrealists, and his work was published in the journal "Surrealist Revolution." In 1930, he published a book of poetry called "Leave Your Work" together with Breton and Paul Éluard. However, he maintained a somewhat detached position within the group, remaining a kind of "classic" among the avant-garde artists.

Separation from the Surrealist Group

After 1935, Char distanced himself from the group and its collective actions, but he maintained connections with many of his comrades. During the years 1941-1945, Char participated in the Resistance and fought in a partisan unit. His experiences during the war were encapsulated in his book "Hypnos Sheets" (1946), which straddles the line between poetry and prose.

Recognition and Later Life

Albert Camus referred to Char's post-war book of poetry, "Rage and Mystery" (1948), as "the most remarkable phenomenon in French poetry since Rimbaud's 'Illuminations' and Apollinaire's 'Alcools'". In the later years, Char lived in his estate in Provence, and his poetry was deeply connected to nature and the rhythm of life in that region. In 1955, he met Martin Heidegger in Paris and organized seminars for the Heideggerian circle in the Provençal town of Thor from 1966 to 1969. He actively participated in their work, and Heidegger dedicated his poetic cycle, "The Considered," to Char. Heidegger frequently referenced Char's poetry in his articles and notes.

Literary Works and Recognition

Char also wrote books of poetry and poetic aphorisms such as "Search for Foundation and Summit" (1955), "Word-Archipelago" (1962), "Lost Nakedness" (1971), and "Songs of Balandrana" (1977). He also wrote numerous essays about his artist friends. René Char received military honors and was a Knight of the Legion of Honor, as well as a recipient of the Order of Arts and Letters of France, among other awards. A House-Museum dedicated to Char is located in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and a literary prize in his name is awarded to young poets in France. The centenary of the poet was widely celebrated in France.