Meaning: The quote "France is not poetic; she even feels, in fact, a congenital horror of poetry. Among the writers who use verse, those whom she will always prefer are the most prosaic." is attributed to Charles Baudelaire, a 19th-century French poet, essayist, and art critic. This quote reflects Baudelaire's views on the relationship between poetry and French culture, as well as his own perspective as a poet within that context.

Baudelaire's statement suggests that France, as a collective entity, does not possess a natural inclination towards poetry. He goes further to suggest that there is an inherent aversion to poetry within the French cultural psyche. This sentiment is particularly striking coming from a French poet, as it challenges the romanticized notion of France as a country steeped in poetic tradition and artistic sensibility.

Baudelaire's assertion that France has a "congenital horror of poetry" is a bold and somewhat controversial claim. It implies that the French people, as a whole, do not appreciate or embrace poetry as much as one might expect. This viewpoint may stem from Baudelaire's own experiences as a poet, grappling with societal attitudes towards his craft and the challenges of gaining recognition and acceptance for his work.

Furthermore, Baudelaire's assertion that France prefers "the most prosaic" writers who use verse is a noteworthy observation. It suggests a preference for writers who employ a straightforward and unadorned style, as opposed to those who engage in the more ornate and expressive language often associated with poetry. This preference for the prosaic over the poetic may reflect a cultural tendency towards pragmatism and clarity in communication, as well as a potential resistance to the perceived elitism or obscurity of poetic language.

It's important to consider the historical and cultural context in which Baudelaire made this statement. The 19th century was a time of great social and political change in France, marked by industrialization, urbanization, and shifting attitudes towards tradition and modernity. Baudelaire himself was a central figure in the literary and artistic movement known as "Symbolism," which sought to explore the deeper, often hidden meanings within the natural and human world. His perspective on the French aversion to poetry may have been influenced by the cultural clashes and tensions of his time, as well as his own struggles to find acceptance for his innovative and sometimes controversial poetic style.

In conclusion, Baudelaire's quote encapsulates his nuanced and somewhat provocative views on the place of poetry within French culture. It challenges the romanticized image of France as a poetic and artistic haven, instead suggesting a cultural resistance to poetic expression and a preference for more straightforward and unembellished forms of writing. While this perspective may be seen as contentious, it offers valuable insight into Baudelaire's own struggles as a poet and the broader dynamics of poetry and culture in 19th-century France.