Symbolismus#

Symbolism, European literary movement between approximately 1870 and 1920 which started in France (S. Mallarme, P. Verlaine, C. Baudelaire) and had its roots in German Romanticism, the works of E. A. Poe and the music of R. Wagner. Symbolist literature frees itself from Realism and Naturalism and devotes itself to representing an artistically autonomous world of beauty. Metaphorical signs (symbols) and the deliberate play with real and imaginary sensory impressions evoke a mysterious, often magical and mystical atmosphere of great intensity. The most important Symbolist works of Austrian literature include the early writings of H. v. Hofmannsthal, R. v. Schaukal and R. M. Rilke. Symbolism also influenced G. Trakl. A typical feature of Austrian Symbolism is its close connection with Neo-Romanticism.

Literature#