Nadja was written by André Breton, who is a theorist of surrealism. The concept of surrealism is greatly expressed in the novel “Nadja.” Personally, surrealism is very abstract to me, and its ideas seem to transcend conventional reasoning and rationality, not depending on any conventional aesthetic constraints.
The novel begins with the question “Who am I?” (p.11), which leads to the author’s philosophical debate. This is a question that seems never to be directly answered, but the answers are scattered throughout. The first part of “Nadja” was the most complicated for me to read, as it was a mix of a diary and philosophical thoughts. I realized that the images were disorganized and misplaced with the corresponding text. While it was distracting, it strengthened the surrealist belief, emphasizing the freedom of narrative. Nadja was not present in this part; this is where Breton was self-exploring, and trying to understand the world, not only discussing his insights but also mentioning inspiration from those surrealist artists around him. One interesting character who appeared in this part was Robert Desnos, who always seemed to “doze.” However, Desnos can always tell the name of a potential appointment before the time when his eyes are closed. Things happen in a way that escapes the control of human reason, and the author simply follows the stream of consciousness.
In the later part, where Nadja appears, it was easier for me to read and follow the main plot. Unlike traditional literature, where the main characters are often noble, beautiful, or special, the characterization of Nadja is just a woman he encounters on the street with poor clothes. However, in this surrealist literature, she becomes the main character where Breton is attracted by her eyes and her free spirit. They often meet on the street and sit at the café, but Breton never knows where she lives, why she is on the street, and exactly who she is. There is a moment when Breton asks Nadja, “Who are you” (p.71). The answer he got is “I am the soul in limbo” (p.71). Nadja is mysterious and seems to exist in a state of unconsciousness. Nadja’s answer also seems to respond to the first question Breton asks in the novel, who is he? Breton keeps a diary of her strange behaviour and rootless thoughts. But their relationship does not last long.
Nadja has mental problems and was admitted to the hospital. However, Breton never considers her mental illness as an abnormal condition because Surrealism focuses on the freedom of mental consciousness. In sum, this was a novel full of mystery and freedom.
One question I would like to post about the novel is Nadja’s answer “I am the soul in limbo.” What is your interpretation of this answer about who Nadja is, and how does it contribute to the surrealistic atmosphere in the novel?
“Unlike traditional literature, where the main characters are often noble, beautiful, or special, the characterization of Nadja is just a woman he encounters on the street with poor clothes.”
Yes, but I think that for Breton, Nadja is indeed “special,” even though she might be overlooked by others. And perhaps indeed he might also think that she was “noble.” What attracts him to her?
I agree with what you said about following the story better when Nadja appeared. I also feel like Nadja’s answer “I am the soul in limbo” adds to her complexity as a character in the book. It also contributes to the main theme of the book, surrealism.
Hey Esther! I also found the first part of the novel hard to comprehend but when the protagonist of the story, Nadja, came into play, it was much easier to read and understand as to what is going on in the novel. I agree with you when you say that Surrealism focuses on the freedom of mental consciousness because inspite of her illness, the author loved her no matter what.
Hi Esther,
A very interesting interpretation on the novel. Indeed, while Nadja is at the center of the novel, her persona is kept at a blurred line. All we can learn from the text is just those eyes of hers. I think Breton would have been more interested in Nadja’s full, original spirituality than in Nadja’s personal portrayal. (Perhaps Nadja’s freedom of character is what Breton wants to convey.) Nadja may be at the bottom of the social ladder, but she’s also a free spirit, free from the shackles of materialism.
I thought of in limbo like a spirit in limbo where they are between the world of living and dead, especially in relation to his lines in the beginning about seeing people by whom they HAUNT. I though it as a statement about her being mentally ill and living in a different world because she is somewhat suicidal (the stuff in the car with the driving into a tree being an example). Perhaps this interpretation is pretty literal but its what I imagined!
– Dalia Currie