Emergence in the Mid-20th Century

The Nouveau Roman, or "New Novel," was a French literary movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, challenging conventional narrative techniques and structures

Opposition to Traditional Narrative Norms

Departure from Realism and Romanticism

The writers associated with the Nouveau Roman were linked by their shared opposition to the narrative norms established by 19th-century Realism and the Romantic movement

Focus on Innovation in Form and Technique

They aimed to redefine the novel by creating works that were not bound by existing literary conventions, focusing instead on innovation in form and technique

Key Literary Features

Fragmented Narratives

The Nouveau Roman is distinguished by its use of fragmented narratives, challenging the traditional linear structure of storytelling

Challenge to Realism

The movement challenged the detailed and comprehensive 'Balzacian' style of realism, opting for a more detached and neutral description of sensory experiences

Depersonalized Characters

Characters in Nouveau Roman works were often reduced to mere perspectives, undermining the concept of an all-knowing narrator

Three Distinct Phases

The Nouveau Roman movement evolved through three distinct phases, each with its own focus and innovations

Initial Phase (1950s-1960s)

The initial phase was marked by authors undermining traditional literary elements and experimenting with metafiction

Second Phase (1960s-1970s)

The second phase saw an emphasis on the productivity of the text and the exploration of language, with works often carrying implicit political messages and self-referential elements

Final Phase (1970s-1980s)

The final phase saw the emergence of the Nouveau Roman autobiography, where writers interwove fictional narratives with autobiographical details and theoretical discourse

Nathalie Sarraute

Nathalie Sarraute's 'Tropismes' is often cited as a precursor to the Nouveau Roman

Alain Robbe-Grillet

Alain Robbe-Grillet, considered a leading figure of the movement, produced novels and films that provoked readers with their unconventional narratives and controversial themes

Marguerite Duras

Marguerite Duras' subtle examination of human emotions and interactions was central to the movement's development

Claude Simon

Claude Simon, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature, was also influential in shaping the Nouveau Roman's approach to storytelling

Transitional Movement

The Nouveau Roman occupies a distinctive position in the continuum of literary history, serving as a transitional movement between Modernism and Postmodernism

Counter-Movement to Modernism

The movement challenged and pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling, contributing to the progression from Modernism to Postmodernism