Maurice Maeterlinck Quotes

A collection of quotes by Maurice Maeterlinck.

Maurice Maeterlinck was a Belgian playwright, poet, and essayist, born on August 29, 1862, in Ghent, Belgium. He is best known for his plays, which brought him international recognition and earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1911.

Maeterlinck's early career began as a lawyer; however, he soon discovered his passion for writing and left his legal practice behind. His debut play, "The Princess Maleine" (1889), marked the beginning of his literary success. Maeterlinck's works are characterized by their dreamlike quality and explore philosophical and spiritual themes.

One of his most famous plays, "Pelléas et Mélisande" (1892), is a symbolist tragedy that later inspired Claude Debussy's opera. Maeterlinck's other notable plays include "The Intruder" (1890) and "The Blue Bird" (1908), which became a popular children's play.

In addition to his plays, Maeterlinck published essays and poetry collections, delving into various subjects such as mysticism, nature, and human existence. He was greatly influenced by the symbolist movement and is often associated with writers like Stéphane Mallarmé and Paul Verlaine.

Maurice Maeterlinck's compelling theatrical works and thought-provoking writings solidified his position as a prominent figure in the European literary scene of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He passed away on May 6, 1949, leaving behind a rich legacy of imaginative and philosophical works.