Viau, Théophile de

(1590-1626)

   poet

   of Protestant background, Théophile de Viau (or Théophile Viau) was born in Clairac. under the influence of the italian philosopher Giulio Cesare Vanini, he embraced the growing pessimism regarding human nature and destiny that arose among 17th-century skeptics and "libertines." This caused him to be banished for impiety and dissipated living, then condemned to death (1623), although he escaped that sentence. His Œuvres (published in 1621 and augmented in 1622, 1623, and 1626) comprise two plays (Pyrame et Thisbé); satirical, sometimes licentious writings; sonnets; elegies; and personal odes (La Solitude) in which he eloquently expresses his epicurean naturalism. Opposed by François de malherbe because of his disdain for classical rules, Viau, who disregarded prevailing moral codes and went against religious doctrine and social convention, was popular during the 17th century because of his melodious poetry. Rediscovered by the romantics and admired by Stéphane Mallarmé, he is regarded today as the most modern poet of his era.