The sea, a site for the representation of women in the work of Georges Rodenbach and Théodore Hannon

Abstract

Rodenbach and Hannon, who used to visit the coast of Belgium since their childhood, are the authors of poems of great beauty encapsulating their juvenile memories. While it cannot be asserted that their artistic and literary tastes run parallel, both are powerfully drawn to the female figure. Rodenbach tends towards idealization, and Hannon towards a certain misogyny; but both authors repeatedly identify her, through various poetic devices, with the maritime environment that witnessed their budding love affairs and sexual awakening.