Five Andre Breton’s Works About Surrealism

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Table of Contents

The Surrealist Manifesto (1924)
Nadja (1928)
Mad Love (L’Amour fou) (1937)
Communicating Vessels (1932)
What Is Surrealism? (1934)
References

The Surrealist Manifesto (1924)

The work can be viewed as the basics of the surrealist movement. The book revolves around the major ideas of a new literary school and outlines its central features. It explained the ideals of creativity peculiar to the new age. In his work, Breton talks about disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the over-rationalized nature of society, which emerged soon after WWI and caused a significant impact on numerous processes. The author argues that rationalism has a pernicious impact on society, making it an extremely boring place (Breton, 1969). For this reason, it is necessary to alter it to ensure new trends emerge and shapes people’s mentalities. Otherwise, there is a high risk of creativity decline and new works’ inability to meet people’s needs.

The work is closely related to the surrealist historical movement as it defines and explains the central peculiarities. Breton defines it as “psychic automatism in its pure state, by which one proposes to express…the actual functioning of the thought… in the absence of any control exercised by reason” (Breton, 1969, p. 25). In such a way, he proclaims the change of the existing tradition and the switch to new forms. The work is fundamental for the development of the surrealist movement. It can be viewed as its manifest helping other writers of the epoch to join a new trend and become familiar with new ideas. It also impacted Breton’s position and his role in becoming one of the most influential surrealist writers creating works within the given field.

Nadja (1928)

This is an outstanding work of surrealist fiction written by Andre Breton. The novel describes the relationship between the narrator, Andre Breton, and a woman named Nadja for a period of ten days (Breton, 1994). The work does not have traditional chapter breaks, as the author wants to step aside from the realistic tradition. Instead, the narrative is split into two parts by a single blank page (Breton, 1994). The first one describes Breton’s views on life and ways to understand a person by analyzing what he/she “haunts” (Breton, 1994, p. 33). The second one outlines occasional meetings with Nadja, which helps to explain the critical role of coincidences.

The novel is an essential step toward the development of the surrealist tradition. First, it does not follow traditional patterns of realism. Instead, it follows the manifest created by the writer previously and expresses his thoughts and ideas. The plot is organized to create the basis for discussing the major Breton’s views and attitudes, while Nadja shows the role of random meetings. It is typical of the surrealist movement with its focus on the unusual nature of the world and the necessity to reconsider it.

Mad Love (L’Amour fou) (1937)

The work can be defined as a unique case study devoted to the problem of love. Following the ideas of surrealism, Brenton delves into the given theme and its reflection in his poetry. He links it to relationships with women, specifically artist Jacqueline Lamba, and other objects surrounding him (Breton, 1988). At the same time, he also speaks about the future, his hopes, and his relations with the infant daughter (Breton, 1988). In such a way, Brenton investigates the concept of love in a unique literary manner.

The work can also be viewed as a contribution to the development of surrealism and its leading ideas and concepts. Brenton avoids realistic and structured cogitations about unique feelings. He also does not use traditional stylistic devices to show his inspiration and admiration. Instead, Breton offers logic and sometimes passionate thoughts about how people love, suppress social obstacles, and create better places through their relations (Breton, 1988). In such a way, following his thoughts, he expresses feelings and emotions vital to him.

Communicating Vessels (1932)

This is a work by Andre Brenton published in 1932. It is written regarding the surrealist tradition as it touches upon the problems of thoughts and thinking. The author discusses the problems of everyday life, experience, and intellect (Breton, 1997). The whole novel is based on a scientific experiment also called Communicating the Vessels (Breton, 1997). The gas moves from one side to another, which is viewed as the central idea of the surrealist thought by Brenton (Breton, 1997). This comparison helps to explain his vision of creativity and thought.

At the same time, the importance of the work for the surrealist movement is linked to the basics of existence and the role of thought in literature. Brenton states that being “removed from the contingencies of time and place” is how individuals understand their real nature and current position (Breton, 1997, p. 12). In such a way, the ideas offered in his work correlated with the manifesto offered by the writer and the whole movement. It also helps to understand the nature of creativity through the surrealist lens.

What Is Surrealism? (1934)

This is another essential work of Andre Brenton. Initially, a lecture given in Brussels in 1934 was later published. The author explains the critical importance of the movement for the development of literature and human thought. He assumes that “surrealist activity remained strictly confined to its first theoretical premise” (Breton, 1978, p. 78). It implied the ideas of non-conformism and the necessity to step away from outdated ideas and traditions. In such a way, surrealism became a fresh air vital for society after WWI.

At the same time, the importance of the work for the movement is explained by the emphasis on the need to continue to evolve. Brenton says that it is impossible to stop the development of a particular phenomenon; otherwise, it will collapse. In such a way, surrealism should evolve and focus on meeting the demands of new generations. The work is essential for linking reality with the movement and explaining its basics to the broader audience, which is vital for its enhanced understanding.

References

Breton, A. (1969). Manifestoes of surrealism (R. Seaver & H. Lane, Trans.). Univeristy of Michigan Press.

Breton, A. (1978). What is surrealism?: Selected writings (F. Rosemont, S. Beckett, D. Gascoyne, S. Schwartz, J. Simmons, B. Imbs, G. Ducornet, J. Ashberry, R. Manheim, Trans.). Pathfinder Press.

Breton, A. (1988). Mad love (M. A. Caws, Trans.). Bison Books.

Breton, A. (1994). Nadja (R. Howard, Trans.). Grove Press.

Breton, A. (1997). Communicating vessels (M. A. Caws & G. T. Harris, Trans.). University of Nebraska Press.

Polizzotto, M. (2017). Revolution of the mind: The life of Andre Breton. Black Widow Press.

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