“Isn't it true that a pleasant house makes winter more poetic, and doesn't winter add to the poetry of a house?”
The quote from above is used by the narrator to point out the idea that everything in this world is connected and that the way in which an item is perceived is influenced by its connections. As such, as the quote from above points out, the way in which winter and a house are seen can be influenced tremendously is they are or are not associated with one another. Consequently, a house in the middle of winter can be perceived as a refuge and a harsh winter seen from the inside of a lovely home can be present as something idilic and not at all threatening.
"Any man who does not accept the conditions of life sells his soul."
Baudelaire was not a religious person yet he mentions the concept of "soul" in many of his writings. Instead of seeing the soul in the way religion sees it, Baudelaire identified it as the center of one's desires and beliefs or a person's individuality. What Baudelaire tries to transmit through this quote is the idea that humans have to get used to their lot in life, no matter how hard it may be. Trying to change it will be useless and will also cause the person in question a lot of unhappiness and distress.
"Interesting game! One in which at least one of the players has to lose his self-control."
Throughout his life, Baudelaire got involved with a large number of women, some of whom he provided financial support. The author never got married and it was a well-known fact that his sexual partners took advantage of him, spending his money. This quote implies that Baudelaire never had his feeling reciprocated and that he felt he should be the one to always give but to never receive anything in return. It is interesting to see that the narrator does not see this shift of power as something unnatural, but rather as being the natural course of life that should never be fought against.
