Andre Gide and the « end » of symbolism

Abstract

After his first trip to Africa and the discovery of a new world of sensations, the French writer André Gide publishes Paludes with the aim of leaving behind the Symbolist period of his work. But Gide has never completely abandoned certain Symbolist characteristics, which are manifest even in his nonfiction works. More than merely a literary trend, Symbolism harmonized with his personality, and with his desire to write texts dedicated to sensations, suggestions and especially to the freedom of the reader.