Born in the 16th arrondissement of Paris in 1897, Louis Aragon emerged as a primary force within the French surrealist movement during the early twentieth century. Throughout a long career, he navigated the complex intersections of literature, political activism, and journalism, serving as a writer, poet, and editor while remaining a member of the French Communist Party.
Surrealism and Political Evolution
Aragon began his literary career involved with the Dada movement from 1919 to 1924. He subsequently co-founded the surrealist review Littérature alongside André Breton and Philippe Soupault, establishing his position as a central figure of the group. His political alignment solidified in January 1927 when he joined the French Communist Party. He contributed to the party newspaper L'Humanité beginning in 1933 and maintained a lifelong commitment to the organization, despite later instances of criticizing Soviet leadership following the 1956 denunciation of Joseph Stalin.
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In addition to his creative output, Aragon managed significant editorial responsibilities. He served as an editor of the journal Commune, which focused on uniting artists against fascism, and eventually became its director in the late 1930s. In 1937, he was commissioned by the Communist Party to launch the evening daily Ce soir. He served as the paper's lead until its closure in 1953, with a period of interruption during the German occupation of France.
War, Resistance, and Recognition
During World War II, Aragon was mobilized in 1939 and received the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille militaire for his service. After the 1940 defeat, he joined the Resistance, utilizing his literary activities to support the National Front movement. Following the war, he continued to write poetry reflecting on the Resistance era. His contributions were recognized through various honors, including the 1936 Prix Renaudot, the Order of the October Revolution in 1972, and the Order of Friendship of Peoples in 1977.
Fast facts
- Born: 1897, 16th arrondissement of Paris
- Died: 1982, 7th arrondissement of Paris
- Movement: Dada, Surrealism, Socialist Realism
- Education: Lycée Carnot
- Key Awards: Prix Renaudot, Lenin Peace Prize, Order of Friendship of Peoples
- Military Honors: Croix de guerre 1939–1945, Médaille militaire
- Notable Employers: Ce soir, L'Humanité, Les Lettres françaises
- Spouse: Elsa Triolet
Questions readers ask
What was Louis Aragon's role in the surrealist movement?
He was a co-founder of the surrealist review Littérature and helped establish Surrealism in 1924 with André Breton and Philippe Soupault.
Did Aragon receive any international recognition for his work?
Yes, he received the Lenin Peace Prize in 1957 and an honorary doctorate from the University of Moscow in 1965.
Achievements
- Affiliated with L'Humanité, Ce soir and Les Lettres françaises
- Educated at Lycée Carnot
- Worked as physician writer, journalist and politician
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