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Cover of The Symbolist Movement in Literature

The Symbolist Movement in Literature

Written by Arthur Symons

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French literatureSymbolism (Literary movement)

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About this book

"The Symbolist Movement in Literature" by Arthur Symons is a scholarly exploration of a literary movement written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the emergence and significance of Symbolism in French literature, discussing the ways in which it departed from previous literary norms to create a new form of expression that emphasizes the relationship between the seen and the unseen world. Symons probes into the lives and works of key figures associated with Symbolism, such as Baudelaire and Flaubert, illustrating their individual contributions to this profound shift in literary style. The opening of the book introduces the concept of symbolism as essential to literature and language itself, asserting that it is through symbols that individuals communicate and understand their existence. Symons references various thinkers, including Carlyle and Comte Goblet d'Alviella, to illustrate the complex origins and applications of symbolism. He discusses how Symbolism, particularly in the context of French literature, represents a conscious evolution from previous literary styles that were more focused on materialistic representation to one that seeks to express deeper spiritual truths. This introductory segment sets the stage for an in-depth examination of various influential authors and their roles in establishing the Symbolist canon.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Symbolist Movement in Literature, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • intellectual
  • analytical
  • evocative

Arthur Symons' "The Symbolist Movement in Literature" offers a foundational exploration of Symbolism, a pivotal late 19th-century literary movement primarily rooted in French literature. Symons meticulously traces the origins and evolution of Symbolism, positioning it as a profound departure from materialistic literary representation towards an expression of deeper, often unseen spiritual truths. The work asserts that symbolism is inherent to language and human understanding, utilizing this premise to analyze the contributions of key figures like Baudelaire and Flaubert. Through a blend of historical context and critical interpretation, Symons illuminates how these authors consciously crafted a new aesthetic emphasizing suggestion, evocation, and the interplay between the visible and invisible worlds. It serves as an essential guide to understanding the philosophical underpinnings and artistic manifestations of Symbolism, solidifying its place in literary history.

“Symbolism, in its very essence, is the endeavor to spiritualize literature, to evoke rather than to state, to suggest rather than to describe.”

Key themes

The Spiritualization of Literature
This is the core tenet of Symbolism as presented by Symons. It argues for a move away from the materialistic and objective representation of reality towards an art that seeks to express deeper, often unseen or ineffable, spiritual truths and inner experiences. Literature becomes a means of revealing the soul, the subconscious, and the transcendent, rather than merely documenting the external world.
Suggestion and Evocation
A key stylistic and philosophical principle of Symbolism. Rather than direct statement or detailed description, Symbolist art aims to evoke feelings, ideas, and associations through indirect means—using symbols, metaphors, rhythm, and sound. The meaning is not explicitly stated but hinted at, allowing the reader's imagination to complete the experience and engage with the work on a deeper, more personal level.
The Artist as Seer/Revealer
Symons portrays the Symbolist artist not merely as a craftsman but as a privileged individual with access to deeper truths, capable of perceiving and articulating the 'unseen.' The artist's role is to act as a kind of seer or mystic, translating profound spiritual or psychological realities into symbolic forms that can be apprehended by others. This elevates the artist's status and positions art as a sacred rather than purely decorative or didactic pursuit.

Worth discussing

How does Symons define Symbolism, and what distinctions does he draw between it and previous literary movements like Realism or Naturalism?

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