Understanding symbolism. Defining the symbol, the symbolist movement and its environment
Understanding symbolism. Defining the symbol, the symbolist movement and its environment

Summary/Abstract: Before drawing any conclusions as to Bartók or Debussy’s relationships to Symbolism, the historical etymology, genesis, and environment of the Symbolist movement must first be correctly defined and examined. The following article is dedicated to that purpose. Firstly, the complete meaning of the word itself and the Symbolist movement must be thoroughly considered. The word “symbol” must be identified at its inception and traced through its etymological evolution. Only by acknowledging the full meaning of “symbol” may the “Symbolist” label be completely understood. An exploration of the life span of the Symbolist movement will follow. Major contributions to the birth of the movement and its various transformations will be explored, from its budding esthetic and philosophy present in Correspondance, Baudelaire’s penned piece of synesthetic perfection, its emergence in the wake of contrasting movements, its official labeling by Jean Moréas in his manifesto of 1886, and its eventual dispersion in favor of other artistic currents. Finally, the Symbolist movement will be explored at the height of its power during the last decades of the 19th century, as well as at its place of genesis, Paris. Several significant contributing factors to the movement will be examined, such as: the Parisian metamorphosis from medieval burg to modern metropolis; an over arching summary of European historical moments which redefined identities as an individual and of a nation; and various advancements in technology, transport, science, and philosophy which shook contemporary thought to its core.

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