symbolist literature

Symbolist literature, emerging in the late 19th century, emphasizes the use of symbols and metaphorical language to express deeper emotional and spiritual realities beyond literal meaning. Writers sought to evoke moods, ideas, and the subconscious rather than depict straightforward stories or facts. This movement values imagination, intuition, and the suggestion of meaning, often creating a dreamlike or mystical atmosphere. Symbolist authors like Baudelaire and Mallarmé aimed to connect the reader to a more profound, often hidden, layer of experience through poetic and lyrical techniques.