Stéphane Mallarmé was a French poet born on March 18, 1842, in Paris. He is known for his innovative use of language and form, which significantly influenced modern poetry. Mallarmé's work often explores themes of ambiguity and the relationship between words and meaning, making him a key figure in the Symbolist movement. His most famous poem, "L'Après-midi d'un faune," reflects his unique style and has inspired various artistic interpretations, including a ballet by Vaslav Nijinsky. Mallarmé's emphasis on suggestion over direct expression has left a lasting impact on literature and has influenced many later poets and writers.