JAKARTA, studyinca.ac.id – Surrealism: Exploring the Bizarre and Illogical in Literature isn’t just a snazzy title—it’s basically a call to break the rules of what you (and I) think stories are supposed to do. I stumbled into the weird world of surrealist literature almost by accident, and wow, did it mess with my head in the best way. If you’ve ever wondered what happens in books where logic takes a back seat and dreams—or, honestly, nightmares—jump into the driver’s seat, buckle up!
My First Encounter with Surrealism: Chaos in the Pages
Let me start with a confession: The first time I picked up a surrealist novel (it was Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”—big flex, I know), I legit thought I had picked up a misprint. Gregor Samsa wakes up and, bam, he’s a giant bug? Cue confusion and a bit of giggling.
At first, I tried to find the hidden meaning on every single page, like there was a secret code or something. I wasted hours, maybe days, looking for patterns where there were none. And that’s the first lesson: In surrealist literature, not every weird thing has to mean something. Sometimes, it just is. And that’s oddly freeing.
What Is Surrealism in Literature, Really?
Surrealism popped up in the early 20th century—Paris, coffee, artsy types, and a hunger for breaking out of the “normal.” Artists and writers wanted to explore the subconscious, to dig out stuff that made zero sense in the real world but made you feel big things.
Think of stories featuring walking dreams, time loops, melting clocks (looking at you, Dalí, even if you’re more paint than pen). Maybe you’ve read Haruki Murakami and wondered, “Are talking cats supposed to make sense?” Nope! That’s the point. Surrealist writers grab onto the bizarre and won’t let go.
Fun fact: A lot of modern writers—Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, even some sci-fi folks—use surrealist techniques. They mix the everyday with what-the-heck moments. Readers get that taste of unreality, and suddenly, anything feels possible.
Common Missteps: Don’t Get Lost in the Weird
Here’s where I totally messed up before: I thought writing or reading surrealist literature meant anything goes. Like, just toss in a unicorn or a killer sandwich, and boom—surrealism. But here’s the thing: Surrealism works best when the bizarre stuff feels like it’s coming from real emotions or ideas buried deep inside (hello, subconscious!).
When I tried to write my own surreal story, I went overboard. Giant flying pancakes, talking dogs, random magic spells. My readers (okay, it was my little brother and a friend from uni) were left super confused and, honestly, kind of angry. Their feedback? “It’s too random, dude. I can’t even finish it.” Ouch.
The cool lesson: Use surrealism to highlight something real—fear, longing, excitement. The best stories, even the most nonsensical, still tap into truths about what it means to be human.
How to Actually Enjoy (and Write) Surrealist Literature
Let’s be honest—sometimes surrealist stories are a wild ride, and that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you want to read or write these kinds of stories, here’s what I’ve found super helpful:
- Let go of logic (for a bit): Don’t try to make sense of every detail. Notice how the story makes you feel instead. Sometimes Knowledge comes through a gut reaction, not a breakdown of plot points.
- Look for patterns in the chaos: Even if stuff seems random, certain images or ideas pop up again and again—clocks, insects, weird weather. There’s usually an emotional or thematic thread tying it together.
- Embrace uncertainty: Not every question will get answered, and that’s okay. Part of the magic is thinking about what it all might mean—if it means anything at all.
- If you’re writing, start with a dream: Some of my best ideas came from scribbling down my wildest dreams or half-remembered nightmares. Don’t be afraid to make it personal.
- Edit the weird stuff: This sounds backwards, but sometimes you need to cool it with the bananas details. Is that dancing shoe adding to your story, or just making it confusing? Sometimes less really is more (harsh truth, I know).
Surrealism and Indonesian Literature: A Local Twist
Here’s something that puts a grin on my face—surrealism isn’t just for European or Japanese writers. Indonesian authors have played with the surreal, big time. Take Putu Wijaya’s “Telegram” or Seno Gumira Ajidarma’s wild short stories. They blend local legends and modern city life, and sometimes you have to stop and ask, “Did that spirit fox just take the bus?”
A study from Universitas Indonesia found that younger readers were more open to surrealist themes when stories used local symbols they already knew—like wayang puppets or urban ghosts (yup, pocong makes an appearance!). This kind of blend makes surrealism feel close, not just weird for weird’s sake.
Practical Tips for Diving Deeper
Alright, down to the nitty-gritty. If you want to dig into surrealist literature, here’s my go-to checklist:
- Start with short stories—way less intimidating and you get that quick surreal hit. My faves: “The Nose” by Gogol, some early stories by Jorge Luis Borges, and for local flavor, Ajidarma’s collections.
- Keep a “weird notebook.” Jot down your bizarre dreams, overheard conversations that make zero sense, or images that pop into your head. Trust me, it pays off when you sit down to write.
- Discuss with friends or a reading group. Sometimes a friend will spot a theme or make a connection you totally missed. More brains = more ways to enjoy the messiness.
- Don’t forget to laugh! Surrealism can get heavy, but most of the time, it’s weirdly funny. Enjoy the ride, however twisty it gets.
Bigger Lessons: Surrealism (and Life) is Messy, and That’s Fine
Maybe the best thing surrealist literature ever taught me is this—life itself is never 100% logical. Sometimes, you just have to roll with the chaos, the unexpected, the totally illogical. If you’ve ever felt confused, lost, or out of place, surrealism lets you know those feelings aren’t just okay—they’re worth exploring on purpose.
So go ahead—pick up that bizarre novel you’ve been eyeing. Or even better, write your own. Jump into the chaos and let your inner weirdo out. Surrealism is proof that the stuff that doesn’t make sense on the surface can still mean everything underneath, if you’re willing to look.
Drop your favorite surrealist reads (or your wildest theories!) in the comments below. Let’s keep the weirdness alive and share what we learn from exploring the bizarre and illogical in literature.
Read also about Satirical Novel to discover how humor, irony, and exaggeration are used to critique society, politics, and human behavior through powerful storytelling.
