Émile Nelligan

Émile Nelligan was a Canadian poet from Quebec, best known for his emotionally intense and musical poetry that explores themes of love, melancholy, and mental anguish. Living in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his work reflects romantic ideals and deep introspection. Despite his relatively short life—he suffered from mental health issues and was institutionalized—his poetry left a lasting impact on Canadian literature. Nelligan’s distinctive lyrical style and exploration of inner turmoil continue to influence poets and readers today, making him a significant figure in Francophone literary history.