La montée aux enfers

"La montée aux enfers" by Maurice Magre is a collection of poems written in the early 20th century. The work delves into themes of existentialism, sensuality, and the darker aspects of human experience, suggesting a vivid exploration of the human psyche. Through its surreal and often grotesque imagery, it aims to evoke strong emotional responses. The opening of the collection introduces the reader to a haunting and vivid landscape depicted through the poem "Le Jardin Maudit." Here, the speaker enters a cursed garden overseen by a serpent-like figure, where nature appears grotesque and contaminated. The flora and fauna reflect suffering and decay, with images of bleeding stones, foul odors, and deformed creatures, illustrating a world corrupted by human vice. This dark and melancholic setting sets the stage for the poet’s exploration of disturbing themes surrounding desire, death, and the fragility of beauty throughout the collection.