A stubborn refusal of the conditions of 20th Century…
““A stubborn refusal of the conditions of 20th Century 'reality', surrealism has denied intransigently and consistently that modern man can live without a sense of wonder at the world that was once embodied in myth. In approaching literature, it has aimed at restoring to the word its magical qualities. And at giving back to language the elemental power it once had within society. This determinism lies at the heart of the surrealist attitude and distinguishes it radically from the modernism which took shape contemporaneously with it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Surrealism argues that modern life lacks wonder, so it restores magical qualities to language, opposing modernism's determinism.
In simple terms: Surrealism seeks wonder in language against modernism.
Key Takeaway
Embrace imagination to revitalize everyday language.
Themes
art
philosophy
literature
culture
mythology
Mood
reflective
inspired
critical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- art criticism
- teaching literature
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
surrealism
modernism
determinism
magical realism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can everyday people experience wonder in language?
- What role does myth play in modern creativity?
A Different Perspective
Surrealism may be seen as elitist or inaccessible to some audiences.