4791 Surrealism

SURREALISM
IN 20TH CENTURY LITERATURE
SUBMITTED BY : SAKSHI CHAHAR

ROLL NO. : 4791
COURSE INFO : ENGLISH HONOURS SEC. A
DATE : OCTOBER 30, 2024
INTRODUCTION :
SURREALISM – A CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC MOVEMENT
Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early 20th century,

characterized by its exploration of the unconscious mind and dreams. It arose
after World War I, reflecting the disillusionment and chaos of the time. (Bishop
2). Surrealists aimed to transcend the limitations of rational thought by
merging reality with the fantastical, allowing the unconscious to manifest
through art, literature, and performance. ( Nadja 45). The movement was a
response to the conventional norms of society, seeking liberation from
traditional constraints.
Surrealism emerged in the 1920s in Europe, influenced by Freudian
psychoanalysis and Dadaism. This movement sought to revolutionize artistic
expression, exploring the subconscious, fantasy, and the irrational. Surrealism’s
impact extended beyond art, influencing literature, film, and popular culture.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
 Surrealism developed in a historical context marked by upheaval and change. The

aftermath of World War I left many artists questioning established norms. The Dada
movement, which rejected traditional aesthetics and logic, set the stage for
Surrealism by promoting irrationality and spontaneity (Miller 15). In 1924, André
Breton published the Surrealist Manifesto, articulating the movement’s goals: to
express the rise of psychoanalysis, particularly the work of Sigmund Freud,
significantly influenced Surrealist thought, as artists began to explore the power of
dreams and the irrational aspects of human experience (Salter 78). the unconscious
and challenge the conventional view of reality (Breton 12).
KEY FIGURES
 André Breton: Often considered the founder of Surrealism, Breton was a poet and
writer whose works laid the philosophical foundations of the movement. His
Surrealist Manifesto emphasized the importance of the unconscious and the
liberation of thought (Bishop 10).
 Louis Aragon: A significant literary figure within Surrealism, Aragon’s poetry often
explored themes of love and surreal imagery, experimenting with form and language
(Miller 22).
 Paul Éluard : A leading poet of the movement, Éluard’s work celebrated love and the
subconscious. His poetry often interwove personal emotion with broader existential
themes, using vivid imagery and dream-like sequences (Harrison 30).
MAJOR THEMES IN SURREALIST LITERATURE
 Dreams and the Unconscious: Surrealists believed that dreams held the key to
understanding deeper aspects of human existence. They sought to capture the
irrationality and logic of dreams in their writings (Salter 91).
 Juxtaposition: The technique of placing contradictory elements side by side is a
hallmark of Surrealist literature. This method challenges readers’ perceptions and
provokes thought, inviting them to find meaning in the absurd (Nadja 55).
 Automatic Writing: This technique involves writing without conscious thought,
allowing the unconscious to surface. It is a method used by many Surrealist writers
to break free from logical constraints and tap into their innermost thoughts (Breton
30).
NOTABLE WORKS
 Nadja” by André Breton: This novel blends autobiography and fiction, exploring the
relationship between the narrator and a mysterious woman named Nadja. The
narrative reflects the Surrealist fascination with the dreamlike and the irrational
(Miller 45).
 “The Magnetic Fields” by André Breton and Philippe Soupault: This work exemplifies
automatic writing and the Surrealist method, featuring a collage of images and
thoughts that evoke a sense of the dream world (Breton 18).
 “The Poems of Paul Éluard”: Éluard’s poetry often merges themes of love and the
surreal, using rich imagery and emotional depth to explore human experience
(Harrison 40).
INFLUENCE IN OTHER ART FORMS
 Surrealism transcended literature, significantly impacting visual arts, film, and theater.
Artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte employed surrealist techniques to
challenge viewers’ perceptions, creating works that blended the bizarre with the
everyday (Taylor 33). Dalí’s iconic melting clocks in The Persistence of Memory
symbolize the fluidity of time and reality (Taylor 37). In film, directors such as Luis
Buñuel used surrealist principles to craft narratives that defy logic, exemplified in
films like Un Chien Andalou, which juxtaposes shocking imagery to provoke thought
and elicit emotional responses (Harrison 55). Surrealism’s influence can also be seen
in modern theater, where playwrights experiment with non-linear narratives and
dream-like sequences (Miller 60).
CRITICISM AND CONTROVERSIES
 Surrealism faced criticism for its perceived elitism and lack of accessibility.
Additionally, debates surrounding gender representation within the movement
have emerged, particularly regarding the contributions of female surrealists
(Whitfield 102). Critics argue that male figures often overshadowed their female
counterparts, prompting a reevaluation of the movement’s inclusivity and legacy.
CONCLUSION
 Surrealism remains a significant cultural movement that challenged traditional artistic

and literary conventions, inviting audiences to explore the depths of the
subconscious. Its innovative approaches continue to influence contemporary art and
literature, emphasizing imagination and the irrational in understanding human
experience. The exploration of the subconscious provides a rich framework for
creative expression, ensuring surrealism’s relevance in today’s cultural landscape.
WORK CITED
 Breton, André. Manifestoes of Surrealism. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press,

1972. Print.
 Dalí, Salvador. The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí. New York: Dial Press, 1942. Print.
 M. M. D. “Surrealism: A Brief History.” Art Movements, 2020. Web. [URL].
 Whitfield, Peter. Surrealism and the Art of Crime. London: Routledge, 2006. Print.

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SURREALISM

IN 20TH CENTURY LITERATURE

SUBMITTED BY : SAKSHI CHAHAR

Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early 20th century,

 Surrealism developed in a historical context marked by upheaval and change. The

 Surrealism remains a significant cultural movement that challenged traditional artistic

 Breton, André. Manifestoes of Surrealism. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press,

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