Richard Hell's "Godlike": A Modern Künstlerroman

Richard Hell's novel "Godlike" serves as a contemporary Künstlerroman that explores themes of art, love, aging, and queerness, drawing parallels between the lives of its protagonists and the historical relationship between French poets Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud. Through this narrative, Hell reflects on the artistic legacy of these poets and their influence on modern punk culture.

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"Godlike" intricately weaves the tumultuous affair between Verlaine and Rimbaud into the lives of its characters, Vaughn and Wode. Hell's portrayal captures the essence of their eleven-year age gap, elopement, and the violent culmination of their relationship, set against the backdrop of Nixon-era America. The novel is punctuated with references to various literary figures, including Joseph Conrad and Bob Dylan, as well as religious texts like the Bible and the Lankavatara Sutra, showcasing Hell's diverse influences.

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Richard Hell, born Richard Meyers, has acknowledged his admiration for Rimbaud, although he denies that his adopted surname was directly inspired by the poet's work "Une Saison en Enfer." His bandmate Tom Verlaine, however, embraced the homage in his name. The punk rock movement, characterized by its raw energy and rebellion, draws significant inspiration from the works of Rimbaud and Verlaine, as evidenced by artists like Patti Smith, who frequently references these poets in her writing.

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The narrative of "Godlike" resonates with contemporary experiences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The author reflects on their own journey of forming a rock band in Brooklyn amidst quarantine, highlighting the communal and cathartic power of music. This sense of connection to Hell and his contemporaries, whom he refers to as the Blank Generation, emphasizes the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in a world constrained by societal limitations.

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While "Godlike" is praised for its meticulous recreation of the Verlaine-Rimbaud relationship, some critiques point to moments where the language falls short in conveying the physical intimacy between the characters. Hell's attempt to capture the volatile nature of their affair is noted as occasionally rigid and lacking in expressiveness, which may detract from the overall impact of the narrative.

New Yorker

Richard Hell has expressed his intent to write a story that diverges from his personal experiences, aiming to explore the lives of young, gay poets. He has acknowledged the challenges of portraying intimacy authentically, indicating a desire to balance artistic representation with emotional depth.

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• “Godlike” is a dazzling Künstlerroman that touches on art, love, aging, and queerness. — Richard Hell

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• “the idea that you have the option of making yourself anything you want.” — Richard Hell on the Blank Generation

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Richard Hell's "Godlike" not only pays homage to the artistic legacy of Verlaine and Rimbaud but also serves as a reflection of the ongoing quest for identity and expression within the constraints of contemporary society. The novel stands as a testament to the enduring influence of these poets on modern artistic movements, particularly within the punk genre.

New Yorker