Bourgeois Quote by Susan Sontag
“Surrealism is a bourgeois disaffection; that its militants thought it universal is only one of the signs that it is typically bourgeois.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: 'Notes on 'ism', 1955, in 'Against Interpretation' collection
Sontag critiques how Surrealism, despite its avant‑garde claims, often reflects middle‑class values and pretensions, revealing a gap between its revolutionary rhetoric and its bourgeois roots.
In simple terms: Surrealism claims universality but often stays bourgeois.
Key Takeaway
Question the class bias behind artistic movements.
Themes
art criticism
class analysis
modernism
Mood
critical
introspective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- art exhibitions
- academic curricula
- media reviews
- political activism
Key Concepts
bourgeoisie
cultural hegemony
artistic authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does class shape artistic narratives?
- Can Surrealism be truly universal?
A Different Perspective
Surrealism also includes genuine radical voices, so not all is bourgeois.
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