André Breton

Definition

André Breton was a French writer and poet best known as the founder of Surrealism, an avant-garde movement that sought to unleash the creative potential of the unconscious mind. His influential works and manifestos defined the Surrealist movement, emphasizing the importance of dreams, free association, and irrationality in art and literature. Breton's vision also intersected with Dadaism, as both movements aimed to challenge traditional artistic norms and express a break from rationalism in response to the trauma of World War I.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. André Breton published the first Surrealist Manifesto in 1924, outlining the principles of Surrealism and its goal to revolutionize human experience by tapping into the unconscious.
2. He was heavily influenced by psychoanalysis, particularly the ideas of Sigmund Freud, which played a crucial role in shaping Surrealist thought.
3. Breton's work often merged poetry with visual art, promoting collaboration between writers and artists in the Surrealist movement.
4. He was also a key figure in the Dada movement before fully committing to Surrealism, reflecting the overlapping themes of both movements.
5. Breton’s influence extended beyond literature; he was involved in political activism and sought to connect Surrealism with revolutionary ideologies.

Review Questions

• How did André Breton’s views on the unconscious influence the principles of Surrealism?
  • André Breton emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind as a source of creativity in his works. His belief that dreams and free association could reveal hidden truths about human experience laid the groundwork for Surrealism. This focus on unlocking the potential of the unconscious led Surrealists to incorporate dreamlike imagery and irrational themes into their art and literature, ultimately challenging conventional notions of reality.
• Compare and contrast André Breton's contributions to both Dadaism and Surrealism. What were key differences in their philosophies?
  • André Breton initially engaged with Dadaism, which reacted against conventional art forms by embracing absurdity and chaos as a response to World War I. However, his later work established Surrealism as a movement that sought to delve deeper into human consciousness through dreams and psychological exploration. While Dada focused on negation and anti-art sentiments, Surrealism aimed for creation through unlocking subconscious realities, reflecting Breton's evolution as a thinker.
• Evaluate the impact of André Breton's first Surrealist Manifesto on 20th-century literature and art. How did it shape future movements?
  • André Breton's first Surrealist Manifesto had a profound impact on 20th-century literature and art by articulating a revolutionary approach that celebrated imagination over rationality. It not only established Surrealism as a major artistic movement but also inspired subsequent avant-garde movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Conceptual Art. By promoting exploration into the subconscious, Breton's ideas paved the way for artists and writers to push boundaries and redefine creativity in ways that influenced generations.

Related terms

Surrealism: An artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, aiming to express the unconscious mind and challenge rational thought through dreamlike imagery and illogical scenes.

Dadaism:

An avant-garde art movement that originated during World War I, known for its anti-art stance, embracing absurdity and irrationality as a reaction against the horrors of war.

Manifesto: A public declaration of intentions, motives, or views, especially important in avant-garde movements to outline their philosophies and goals.