In 1924, André Breton published the 'Surrealist Manifesto', defining Surrealism as 'pure psychic automatism' aimed at reconciling the contradictory states of dream and reality. This manifesto established the principles of the Surrealist movement, which sought to explore the unconscious mind and challenge conventional artistic norms. Breton's work encouraged artists and writers to embrace spontaneity and irrationality, leading to a flourishing of creativity in literature and visual arts. The manifesto has had a lasting influence on modern art and literature, inspiring generations of creators to explore the depths of human imagination.

André Breton's publication of the 'Surrealist Manifesto' in 1924 liberated poetry from rational constraints, introducing automatic writing and bizarre juxtapositions. This radical shift in poetic form and content dominated mid-century avant-garde verse, influencing poets like Paul Éluard and the broader surrealist movement.