Genre
Novel, Surrealist narration
Setting and Context
France, 1920's.
Narrator and Point of View
André Breton
Tone and Mood
Abstract, explanatory
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist: André; Antagonist: Reality
Major Conflict
André wonders who he is and what life means.
Climax
Nadja is put into a mental institution.
Foreshadowing
Nadja's illness of insanity is foreshadowed by the irregularities of her stories and the way she believes things that are irrational.
Understatement
When Nadja says a window that is black will turn red in a few moments, and André believes her, both of their sanities are understated.
Allusions
The reader might discern allusions to Pierre Boulez's song "...explosante-fixe", as well as other surrealist artists as they are frequently discussed and addressed.
Imagery
The image of Nadja in a mental institution is the most important in the book, as her sanity is then defined not by herself but by others, thus strengthening the meaning behind the words André writes.
Paradox
"Nadja is crazy" is the most important paradox in the story.
Parallelism
There is a parallel line between Nadja and André, as he slowly becomes crazy by hanging out with her.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
There is repeated personifications of objects and pieces of art alike, as André uses them to explain his philosophical points, as if they are there and are able to speak.
