A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023
Decadence
Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, themes, and artistic techniques to create a specific aesthetic and convey their ideas. Decadence is a literary style characterized by a fascination with decay, excess, and the decline of societal values and norms. Decadent literature often explores themes of indulgence, moral decay, artificiality, and the allure of the forbidden or taboo. It emerged as a reaction to the societal changes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and sought to challenge conventional norms through provocative and subversive writing.
Key Features of Decadence:
1. Aestheticism: Decadent writers prioritize the aesthetic experience over moral or social considerations. They focus on creating beautiful and sensuous prose and poetry, often emphasizing intricate descriptions and ornate language.
2. Moral and Cultural Decay: Decadent literature often reflects a sense of moral decline and cultural decay in society. Writers explore the consequences of excessive indulgence, hedonism, and the pursuit of pleasure.
3. Excess and Abundance: Decadent works frequently feature themes of excess, opulence, and overindulgence. This may be expressed through descriptions of lavish parties, extravagant lifestyles, and sensual pleasures.
4. Symbolism and Allegory: Symbolism and allegory are common techniques in decadent literature. Writers use symbols and allegorical elements to convey deeper meanings and explore hidden truths.
5. Dark and Macabre Themes: Decadent writers often incorporate dark and macabre themes, such as death, decay, and the supernatural. These themes contribute to the unsettling and provocative nature of the literature.
6. Exploration of Taboos: Decadent literature challenges societal taboos and conventions. It may explore forbidden desires, unconventional relationships, and controversial topics.
7. Irony and Parody: Irony and parody are frequently employed in decadent works to critique societal norms and expose contradictions. Writers may use satire to highlight the absurdity of certain behaviors and attitudes.
Representatives of Decadence:
1. Charles Baudelaire (1821—1867): A French poet and essayist known for his collection "Les Fleurs du Mal" ("The Flowers of Evil"). Baudelaire's work is considered a precursor to decadent literature, exploring themes of beauty, desire, and the darker aspects of human nature.
2. Oscar Wilde (1854—1900): An Irish playwright, novelist, and essayist celebrated for his wit and aestheticism. His novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and his plays, such as "Salomé," exemplify decadent themes and exploration of excess.
3. Joris-Karl Huysmans (1848—1907): A French novelist known for his influential work "À rebours" ("Against Nature"). The novel follows the life of a reclusive aristocrat who seeks extreme sensory experiences and indulges in unconventional pursuits.
4. Paul Verlaine (1844—1896): A French poet associated with both Symbolism and Decadence. His poetry often expresses themes of melancholy, longing, and the fleeting nature of beauty.
5. Thomas Mann (1875—1955): A German novelist known for his novel "Death in Venice," which explores themes of desire, beauty, and the decadence of art and culture.
These representatives showcase the diverse expressions of decadence as a literary style, emphasizing its exploration of themes of excess, moral decay, and the tension between aestheticism and societal norms.