Breton, Qu’est-ce que le surréalisme? Flashcards
What are the main themes of André Breton’s “Qu’est-ce que le surréalisme?”?
The main themes include freedom, equality, progress, Europe, and the relationship between art and society. The essay defines a new form of thought emerging from the Dadaist movement, characterized by a spirit of refusal, negation, and a desire to start anew.
How does Breton describe the essence of surrealism in terms of reality?
Breton describes surrealism as a “will to deepen reality, to achieve an ever clearer and at the same time more passionate awareness of the sensible world.” The goal is to find a deeper truth beyond the constraints of logic and reason.
According to Breton, what is the relationship between the liberation of the mind and the liberation of man?
Breton asserts that the liberation of the mind is intricately linked to the liberation of man. This liberation is seen as achievable through the proletarian revolution.
What is the significance of “Le défaitisme de la guerre” in surrealism?
“Le défaitisme de la guerre” represents a common idea among Lautréamont, Rimbaud, and the surrealists, emphasizing an attitude of defeatism towards war, challenging the conventional glorification of warfare.
What are some key moments in the development of surrealism?
Key moments include the surrealists’ origins in the petite bourgeoisie, the influence of Lautréamont, parallels with Belgium, the rejection of vulgar rationalism, the desire for a radical and impractical revolution, and the growing political engagement in the 1930s in response to the threat of fascism.
How did surrealists view fascism, and what criticisms did they have?
Surrealists criticized fascism for exercising control over thought, suppressing free expression, opposing liberty and imagination, and serving as a support for the capitalist status quo. They saw fascism as a threat to the freedom they championed.
How did surrealism critique capitalism, and what techniques did they employ in their artistic expression?
Surrealism critiqued capitalism, and they employed techniques like automatic writing based on psychic automatism, allowing for free and unrestricted thought. The movement became more politically engaged in the 1930s in response to the looming threat of fascism.
