A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023
Dadaism
Definition: Literary style refers to the unique and recognizable manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas and create a distinct aesthetic in their written work. Dadaism, as a literary style, is characterized by its rejection of conventional norms and artistic traditions. Emerging as an avant-garde movement during and after World War I, Dadaism emphasizes irrationality, absurdity, and anti-establishment sentiments. Dadaist literature often seeks to provoke, shock, and challenge societal norms through unconventional forms and language.
Key Features of Dadaism in Literature:
1. Absurdity and Nonsense: Dadaist literature revels in absurdity, using nonsensical language, illogical narratives, and irrational juxtapositions to disrupt traditional communication and meaning.
2. Anti-Art and Anti-Establishment: Dadaism is rooted in an anti-establishment stance, rejecting conventional art, literature, and societal norms. Dadaists seek to undermine authority and question the seriousness of artistic and literary traditions.
3. Collage and Montage: Dadaist literature often employs collage and montage techniques, combining disparate elements to create new meanings and visual effects. These techniques mirror the fragmented nature of modern life.
4. Chance and Randomness: Dadaist works incorporate chance and randomness into creation. Techniques such as automatic writing and random word generation contribute to the unpredictability of the text.
5. Mockery and Satire: Dadaist literature frequently employs mockery, satire, and parody to critique political, social, and cultural institutions. These techniques highlight the absurdity of authority figures and societal structures.
6. Visual Language: Dadaist literature may incorporate visual elements such as typography, graphics, and illustrations to create a multisensory and visually striking experience.
7. Performance and Manifestos: Dadaism often goes beyond the written word, involving performances, manifestos, and public disruptions as integral parts of the movement's expression.
Representatives of Dadaist Literature:
1. Tristan Tzara (1896—1963): A Romanian-French poet and one of the central figures of Dadaism. His poem "To Make a Dadaist Poem" humorously outlines Dadaist techniques and attitudes.
2. Hugo Ball (1886—1927): A German author and poet who co-founded the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich, a key center for Dadaist activities. His sound poem "Karawane" exemplifies Dada's focus on nonsensical language.
3. Marcel Duchamp (1887—1968): A French-American artist associated with Dadaism. His readymades, such as "Fountain," challenged traditional notions of art and had a profound influence on Dadaist aesthetics.
4. Kurt Schwitters (1887—1948): A German artist and poet known for his "Merz" works that used found objects and fragmented language to create collages and poems.
5. Richard Huelsenbeck (1892—1974): A German poet and co-founder of the Berlin Dada group. His manifesto "First German Dada Manifesto" expressed Dadaist ideals.
6. Raoul Hausmann (1886—1971): An Austrian artist and writer known for his photomontages and sound poetry. His text "Mechanical Head (The Spirit of Our Time)" is a notable Dadaist work.
These representatives exemplify the key characteristics of Dadaism in literature, highlighting its subversion of norms, embrace of absurdity, and innovative techniques that challenged the established order.