What is a significant characteristic of the Symbolist movement in literature and poetry?

A significant characteristic of the Symbolist movement in literature and poetry is the beauty of the word itself. Symbolist writers were deeply engaged with the aesthetic qualities of language, often aiming to evoke emotions and ideas through the musicality and imagery of their words rather than through straightforward descriptions or narratives.

This focus on the sound, rhythm, and visual aspects of language highlights the belief that poetic expression could transcend literal meaning, allowing for deeper, more complex interpretations. Symbolists sought to create a rich sensory experience, using symbols to suggest a range of emotions and themes rather than explicitly stating them. This approach often leads to layered meanings, where the interplay of sound and imagery contributes to the overall effect of the work.

By prioritizing the intrinsic beauty of language, Symbolists laid the groundwork for many modernist movements that followed, influencing how poetry and literature would be perceived and created in the years to come.