
20th-century French literature
20th-century French literature reflects a dynamic period marked by experimentation, philosophical inquiry, and diverse styles. It includes movements like Modernism, with authors such as Marcel Proust exploring memory and identity; Surrealism, with André Breton challenging reality and exploring the unconscious; and Existentialism, with Jean-Paul Sartre examining human freedom and responsibility. Post-World War II, writers like Albert Camus grappled with absurdity and moral ambiguity. Throughout, literature often questioned traditional values, experimented with form, and engaged with contemporary social and political issues, making 20th-century French literature a rich reflection of the century’s upheavals and innovations.