The movement of symbolism was one of the most striking and visible trends in modernism, which had a strong influence on the development of art, poetry, music and literature. The peculiarity was that instead of an artistic image , a certain symbol began to be used, which indicated the variability of life and the search for absolute truth.
Features
Symbolism. What is meant by this term? The peculiarity of this trend was that it was not art, literature or music that changed, but the attitude towards these categories changed. Symbolists were experimenters, they were looking for something new, universal and universal. For this, certain signs, symbols, riddles, secrets, hints and understatement were used.
The main role in the direction is played by the human imagination. It is it that creates analogies or certain connections between an object or phenomenon and its image. Symbolism, acmeism, futurism and other directions of this period had a great development on the subsequent culture, literature, music and art.
The emergence of the term
The direction of symbolism appeared in 60-70 years of the 19th century in France. From there, it spread to other countries. Its aesthetic principles were stated by the poet Jean Moreanos in his article “Symbolism”.
What was suggested by the author? Moreans argued that a symbol is the opposite of teaching, rhetoric, and lengthy descriptions. The idea must be presented in a special sensual form, which can be achieved through imagination. To do this, the author must use a special style, which includes secrets, complex word formation, illusions and lack of understanding.
Signs
Mystery and mystery are not all that symbolism possesses. What is this direction really? This can be seen with the help of its characteristic features:
- The desire to create the perfect picture of the world.
- The transmission of the most subtle and inconspicuous impulses of the soul.
- High imagery, lightness and musicality.
- The use of hints and open finals.
- A high rate of use of sound and rhythmic means of literature and poetry.
- Fullness of words with various characters.
- Aesthetization of death.
- Targeting an elite reader.
An important characteristic was that the word became some kind of cipher, a secret that a person could solve with the help of his imagination and soul.
Manifestations of the trend in literature, poetry and art
Symbolism, acmeism, and other trends have had a strong influence on literature, art, and poetry. They filled them with a new meaning and allowed a different look at the person himself.
As for art, the use of female images in the form of animals, trees, or natural phenomena is typical during this period. This allows you to create complex associations and allegories. Truth is hidden from human eyes, but it can be seen through the senses and by connecting the role of the subconscious.
Literary symbolism has a very deep and rich history. The works of the authors of this period create numerous illusions, secret signs and symbols that are brilliantly woven into prose. Examples of this are the work of John Steinbeck, William Golding and other authors.
Poetry has become the largest and most comprehensive reservoir for symbolism. This is due to the fact that poems have less descriptions, therefore, they become ideal soil for the connection of phenomena and their symbols, as well as for the application of illusions, metaphors and secrets.
Differences between Symbolism and Other Trends
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many trends in modernism appeared that have similar features, but are unique and original trends. It is important to pay attention to the following:
- Acmeism Appeared from symbolism, but opposed it. The direction foresaw materiality, simplicity of images and high accuracy of the word.
- Futurism. The basis was the rejection of diverse cultural stereotypes and their destruction. An important place is occupied by the technique and processes of urbanization, in which poets saw the future of the world.
- Cubofuturism. It is characterized by a rejection of the ideals of the past and an orientation toward the future. For poetry, shocking and occasionalisms are used.
- Self-Futurism. This direction is characterized by the use of new foreign words, the cultivation of pure feelings and sensations, and a demonstration of self-love.
- Imaginism. The basis for this trend is the creation of a certain image. The main expressive tool that was used for this is a metaphor, as well as entire metaphorical groups and flails. This direction is characterized by the use of anarchist ideas and stages.
Symbolism, acmeism, futurism and other directions of the beginning of the 20th century had a strong influence on music, art, poetry, literature and culture in general.
Features of Russian Symbolism
The Russian version of the course initially had the same features and characteristics as the western one, but over time it showed its features. Aesthetization of life and panesthetism is the basis that Russian symbolism possessed. What is this? By this we mean the desire to replace the existing logic and morality with various innovative forms.
The Russian symbolists are inspired by the historical eras of romanticism, antiquity and the Renaissance. Art begins to be perceived as the guardian of all that is beautiful and pure. Particularly important is the connection of culture with the people, the state, and the soil. This distinguished the symbolism of Russia from the trend in other countries.
silver Age
This term refers to the figurative period in Russian poetry, which appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. This period is associated with such names as Nikolai Gumilev, Alexander Blok, Vladimir Mayakovsky and other prominent personalities.
The symbolism of the Silver Age was heterogeneous, and it can be divided into two stages:
- Older. Poets of this time perceived symbolism as a creation of feelings and artistic values. An important role is played by aesthetics. This group includes Bryusov, Balmont, Merezhkovsky, Sologub, etc.
- Younger. Symbolism begins to be perceived as a philosophical and religious phenomenon. This period is represented by the names of Blok, Bely, Ivanov and others.
Symbolism is a bright direction of modernism, which has had a strong influence on music, poetry, literature and art. A characteristic feature of the course was the use of images of mystery, understatement, which can be revealed with the help of imagination and feelings. Symbolism had much in common with other areas of the early 20th century, but was distinguished by originality and uniqueness.
This trend in Russia deserves special attention, where it used Western ideas, but offered its own distinctive features and characteristics. This includes communication with the people and the state and appeal to other historical eras.