What does "And others, whose breasts love the feel of scapulars," mean in Baudelaire's "Damned Women"?

Question

> Et d'autres, dont la gorge aime les scapulaires,> > Qui, recélant un fouet sous leurs longs vêtements,> > Mêlent, dans le bois sombre et les nuits solitaires,> > L'écume du plaisir aux larmes des tourments.In english:> And others, whose breasts love the feel of scapulars,> > Who, concealing a whip under their long habits,> > Mingle, in the dark woods and solitary nights,> > The froth of pleasure with tears of torment.I can understand the last 2 verses, but I don't understand the first 2. Are these women in some kind of cult? Are they sadomasochistic nuns? Is it symbolical? Could anyone explain this to me?

Answer 1

Baudelaire *might* be hinting at the clandestine practice of self-flagellation (or erotic punishment), combining elements of religious penance with erotic pleasure. But Baudelaire often explored the intersection of the sacred and the profane, so (in a general sense) the religious fabric concealing the whip symbolizes the dual nature of the human experience, where religious fervor and erotic desire coexist and intertwine. More specifically, his portrayal of the nuns problematizes conventional notions of purity and piety, suggesting that underneath the surface of religious devotion lies a world of hidden desires and torments.

Answer 2

Given the context we can consider this poem a dark and accusing text.

First the title is "The Damned Women".

Then the surrounding text--

"Ô vierges, ô démons, ô monstres, ô martyres,

Chercheuses d'infini, dévotes et satyres,

...

Vous que dans votre enfer mon âme a poursuivies,

Pauvres soeurs, je vous aime autant que je vous plains,"

(quick translation)

"O Virgins, o demons, o monsters, o martyrs,

Seekers of the infinite, devotees and satyrs,

...

You whom my soul followed in your hell,

Poor Sisters, I love you as much as I pity you,"

--shows that you are correct, "sadomasochistic nuns" in general (and many more such women) sounds right.

After all the book is entitled "Flowers of Evil".

On July 7 1857 the Direction générale de la sûreté publique brings to the attention of the Ministry of the Interior, in a report:

"Mr Charles Baudelaire's book entitled Flowers of Evil is a challenge to the laws that protect religion and morality. (...)

Beside these pieces...there are others that are nothing less than the expression of the most revolting lustfulness.

'The Damned Women' is a song honoring the shameful love of women for other women.(...)

In short Mr. Baudelaire's book is one of those unhealthy publications that are profoundly immoral and is bound to enjoy a success based on scandal."

It seems there is no ambiguity or hidden symbol in it. It means what it says.

Maybe someone else will have another view on it.