Surrealism

Introduction

Surrealism in literature is a fascinating artistic movement that transcends ordinary boundaries through dreamlike and illogical scenarios. Emerging primarily in the early 20th century, surrealism seeks to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind. Literary surrealism often involves bizarre, fantastical elements intertwined with everyday reality, aiming to challenge the reader’s conventional perceptions and evoke deeper emotional responses. Writers like André Breton, Salvador Dalí, and Franz Kafka have masterfully employed surrealism to explore themes of chaos, personal subconscious, and the absurdity of human existence.

Pronunciation

su·​rre·​al·​ism | \ sə-ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm \

When to Use Surrealism in Literature

Writers turn to surrealism when they aim to delve deep into the human psyche, revealing the hidden forces of the subconscious that influence thoughts, dreams, and behaviors. This literary device is particularly useful in narratives that explore themes like fantasy, existential angst, and social norms. Surrealism allows authors to depict a world beyond the rational to express complex emotions and ideas that conventional narratives might not capture. It’s also used to question reality and provoke readers to see beyond the surface, often leading them into a state of introspection or questioning.

Rules for Using Surrealism

Using surrealism effectively in literature requires a balance between the abstract and the tangible. Here are some guidelines to help you incorporate this device into your writing:

1. Embrace the Unconscious: Let your imagination run wild. Draw on dreams, fantasies, and the unexplored corners of your mind to create imagery that disrupts the mundane.
2. Distort Reality: Blend the real with the unreal. Introduce elements that defy logic, such as time distortions, metamorphoses, or impossible juxtapositions.
3. Evoke Emotion: Through surreal imagery, strive to evoke an emotional response that resonates on a deeper, often unspoken level.
4. Symbolism is Key: Use symbols to represent ideas or concepts, adding layers of meaning to the surreal imagery.
5. Maintain Cohesion: Despite the chaotic elements, ensure your narrative has a thread of coherence that helps the reader stay connected to the story.
6. Experiment: Surrealism thrives on innovation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with narrative structure, language, and style to find new ways to shock and awe your audience.

By following these rules, you can effectively harness the power of surrealism to enrich your literary work, offering readers a unique and profound experience.

Types of Surrealism

Surrealism manifests in various forms across different mediums, including literature, visual art, film, and theater. In literature, surrealism can be categorized into two primary types:

1. Absolute Surrealism: This form adheres to the original philosophical underpinnings of the Surrealist movement, focusing on the expression of the unconscious mind without rational interference. It often involves automatic writing, spontaneous imagery, and the lack of a preconceived structure or intent.
2. Subjective Surrealism: In this approach, surreal elements are deliberately used to enhance the narrative. Authors may incorporate dream-like sequences, fantastical imagery, and bizarre scenarios but with more control and purpose. This type blends surreal techniques with traditional storytelling elements to convey specific themes or messages.

Surrealism in Literature

Surrealism has left a profound impact on literature, with many notable works that explore and exploit its themes. Some famous examples include:

• “Nadja” by André Breton – A novel that blends reality and dream, exploring the encounters between the protagonist and a mysterious woman, Nadja, who represents the unpredictable nature of the human psyche.
• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka – Although Kafka predates the formal Surrealist movement, this novella is a seminal work of surreal fiction, depicting a man who inexplicably transforms into a giant insect.
• “The Trial” by Franz Kafka – Another Kafka work that delves into surrealism through its depiction of an absurd and nightmarish bureaucracy.
• “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll – A children’s classic that employs surrealism to create a whimsical and nonsensical world that challenges the very notion of logic and order.

Surrealism in Children’s Books

Surrealism also finds a special place in children’s literature, providing a playful and imaginative landscape that sparks creativity and curiosity. Some renowned surreal children’s books include:

• “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak – A story about a boy named Max who sails to an island inhabited by bizarre creatures, embodying the wild and uncontrolled facets of his emotions.
• “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss – Though whimsical and colorful, this book introduces children to surreal concepts through its imaginative characters and landscapes, combined with a serious message about environmental conservation.
• “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll – Again, Carroll’s classic is an excellent example of surrealism aimed at children, creating a fantastical world filled with illogical sequences and eccentric characters.

Surrealism in Poetry

Surrealism has been a potent force in poetry, allowing poets to explore deep truths in illogical, dreamlike ways. Here are some notable examples:

• “Freedom of Love” by André Breton – Breton’s poetic expression of love is filled with surreal imagery and unexpected associations that challenge the reader’s understanding of emotion and reality.
• “The Capital of Pain” by Paul Éluard – This collection is emblematic of how surrealists like Éluard used vivid, often startling imagery to evoke complex human emotions and situations.
• “A Season in Hell” by Arthur Rimbaud – Rimbaud’s work, though written before the formal surrealist movement, contains elements of what would later be defined as surrealism, with its vivid, hallucinatory prose that breaks from conventional narrative and logic.

Surrealism in Songs

Surrealism in music often manifests through abstract lyrics, dreamlike soundscapes, and imaginative themes. Here are ten famous songs that incorporate surreal elements:

1. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles – Known for its vivid imagery inspired by a drawing by John Lennon’s son and references to Lewis Carroll’s work.
2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – A song that combines surreal storytelling, shifting musical styles, and fantastical lyrics.
3. “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd – Features surreal and introspective lyrics about detachment and isolation.
4. “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors – Incorporates surreal and atmospheric sound effects and lyrics that evoke a sense of eerie unease.
5. “I Am the Walrus” by The Beatles – Known for its nonsensical and bizarre lyrics.
6. “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane – Uses imagery from “Alice in Wonderland” to discuss the surreal experiences of hallucinogenic drugs.
7. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin – Melds mystical lyrics with a progressive rock sound for a surreal auditory experience.
8. “Karma Police” by Radiohead – The lyrics blend the ordinary with the bizarre, creating a surreal narrative.
9. “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles – John Lennon’s reflective and dreamlike observations create a surreal soundscape.
10. “Hotel California” by The Eagles – The song’s narrative creates a surreal and somewhat nightmarish scenario wrapped in soft rock.

Surrealism in Movies

Surrealism in cinema often involves illogical sequences, dreamlike visuals, and bizarre plots that challenge the viewer’s perceptions of reality. Here are some iconic examples:

• “Un Chien Andalou” (1929) by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí – A seminal surrealist film known for its shocking and irrational imagery.
• “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” (1972) by Luis Buñuel – Follows a group of upper-class people whose attempts to dine together are continually thwarted, in absurd and surreal ways.
• “Eraserhead” (1977) by David Lynch – Lynch’s debut feature film is a darkly surreal journey into the anxieties of fatherhood and identity.
• “Mulholland Drive” (2001) by David Lynch – A complex narrative of dreams and reality that blurs the lines between them.
• “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006) by Guillermo del Toro – Combines historical narrative with surrealistic fairy tale elements.
• “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) by Michel Gondry – Explores the surreal nature of memory and love through an experimental narrative technique.
• “Inception” (2010) by Christopher Nolan – Features a layered narrative that explores dreams within dreams in a surreal landscape.
• “The Holy Mountain” (1973) by Alejandro Jodorowsky – Known for its vivid, disturbing surreal imagery and symbolic narrative.
• “The Lobster” (2015) by Yorgos Lanthimos – A surreal and satirical look at relationships and societal norms.
• “Sorry to Bother You” (2018) by Boots Riley – Uses surrealism to critique corporate culture and racial identity.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Surrealism

“We all go a little mad sometimes.”

This line from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” (1960) captures the surreal slip into madness that the protagonist Norman Bates experiences. The movie itself, while primarily a psychological thriller, uses surreal elements to intensify the disturbing nature of Bates’ psychosis.

YouTube Link Demonstrating Surrealism

To see surrealism in action, you could search for a clip from “Mulholland Drive” by David Lynch, specifically the “Silencio” scene. This scene perfectly encapsulates the surreal atmosphere of the film, where reality and dream merge indistinguishably.

Surrealism in Advertising

Surrealism has been effectively used in advertising to capture attention and provoke thought. Some notable examples include:

• “The Entrance” by Heineken – A commercial that features a surreal party with eclectic characters and unexpected happenings.
• “Mountain” PlayStation commercial – Where a huge crowd of people form a mountain to reach for a mystical floating game console, symbolizing the surreal quest for entertainment.
• “Perfume Ads” – Many high-fashion brands use surreal imagery in their perfume commercials to evoke sensations and emotions that go beyond the olfactory.

Surrealism Related Literary Devices

Several literary devices are commonly associated with surrealism to enhance its effect:

• Metaphor: Uses direct comparisons to create vivid imagery.
• Symbolism: Objects, characters, or colors represent larger concepts.
• Hyperbole: Exaggeration to create a surreal or absurd effect.
• Juxtaposition: Placing disparate elements side by side to create a surreal contrast.
• Irony: Often used to undermine the usual meanings of the surreal scenarios, adding a layer of complexity to the interpretation.

These devices help to cultivate the characteristic dreamlike and illogical atmosphere that defines the surrealism genre.