1. 1. Rimbaud, Bernard Suzanne, and Guyaux Andre , OEuvres , ) [Paris: Classiques Garnier, 1987 ], p.347 . All subsequent references are to this edition, abbreviated B/G.
2. 2. The verb "balayer" reminds one of the stage-sweepers who tidy up the boards after various sections of the performance. It is also a very dismissive verb [literally so in expressions such as "balayer le personnel d'une maison"] as used in the "Lettre du voyant," implying an impatience to have done with outmoded systems of thought. The two senses merge as Rimbaud's inner theatre puts on view a whole series of rapidly succeeding decors andpersonnages.
3. 4. La Vie dans les plis , Gallimard, Paris, 1949 , p.113 .
4. 5. Monique Jutrin "Parole et silence dansUne Saison en enfer- l'experience du moi divise,"Arthur Rimbaud [3], Problemes de langue, La Revue des Lettres Modernes [1], 1976 , p.20 .