Kostas Karyotakis (1896-1928): did the great Greek suicidal poet suffer from syphilis?

Kostas Karyotakis is one of the most important Greek poets. His works reflect his existential, pessimistic and satirical tone. He was born in Tripolis, studied Law and spent most of his life working as a public servant. Since 1922 he was aware that he was suffering from syphilis. The disease seems to be the reason why he never accepted the full love of Maria Polydouri, a Greek lyric poet. Karyotakis' conventional life and his many detachments made him feel depressed, a fact that has led many to believe that a clinical depression caused his suicidal ideation. However, the fear of neurosyphilis appears to be the most decisive factor that led to him committing suicide in Preveza. This view is supported by a poem he wrote about the disease, the words of his contemporaries and his suicidal note.