Modernism 1914 1945 OBJECTIVES Introduction to Modernism Competency

Modernism 1914 -1945

OBJECTIVES Introduction to Modernism Competency Area #1 (Literature and Culture) Important Themes in Modernism Competency Area #2 (Essential Themes and Ideas) Stylistic Characteristics of Modernism Competency Area #2 (Essential Themes and Ideas) Historical Characteristics of Modernism Competency Area #3 (Literature and History)

Literature and History (Technology) Historical Characteristics of Modernism Competency Area #3 (Literature and History) Changed our view of reality, time, and space Loss in faith of older forms of technology Technology quickened pace of life Introduction of Xrays, combustion engine, and so on

Literature and History (Science) Historical Characteristics of Modernism Competency Area #3 (Literature and History) Changed our view of reality, time, and space Einstein’s Theory of Relativity Time is relative rather than absolute Literary Connection: Non-linear plot in works of William Faulkner

Literature and History (Economy) Historical Characteristics of Modernism Competency Area #3 (Literature and History) Before modernism, worker was involved in the production line from start to finish After modernism, worker’s role reduced to a part of the production line Changes in workplace “distorted” one’s view of reality Literary Connection: Works of Upton Sinclair

Literature and History (Psychology) Historical Characteristics of Modernism Competency Area #3 (Literature and History) Fragmentation and Alienation Influenced by Sigmund Freud The importance of the self Alienation of the self in modern society Dreams are a wish or fulfillment and drive gratification Literary Connection: Works of Faulkner, Hughes, Fitzgerald

Thematic Characteristics Competency Area #2 (Themes and Essential Ideas) Loss, Subjectivity Questioned all systems of belief Pessimism, loss of faith, nihilism, and collapse of moral and values Confused sense of identity and place in the world Absurd ( the search for meaning in a meaningless world ) Greater focus on the city rather than nature Cultural relativism (many realities) rather than absolutism (single reality) Reversal of traditional roles, Destruction of the family unit Excess of Materialism, Less Spiritualism

Thematic Characteristics (Realism versus Modernism) Realism Modernism § Attempts to mirror reality § Literary Fragmentation (Reality is fragmented) § Absolutism Belief in a single reality § Cultural Relativism Multiple realities can exist at the same time

Stylistic Characteristics Competency Area #2 (Themes and Essential Ideas) Juxtaposition Literary Fragmentation Temporal Distortion

Stylistic Characteristics (Literary Fragmentation - Plot) Competency Area #2 (Themes and Essential Ideas) FRAGMENTED PLOT (NON-LINEAR NARRATIVE) Broken into different parts Events are portrayed out of chronological order Foreshadowing Flashback Flash forward Sub plot Parallel Structure Irony

Stylistic Characteristics (Literary Fragmentation - Characters) Competency Area #2 (Themes and Essential Ideas) Typically an anti-hero Neither 100% good nor 100% evil Fated to cause grief to self or others Usually lacks the traditional qualities of a hero Often acts contrary to society’s standards Moral ambivalence (mixed feelings about morals or values) Act according to own set of rules Has flaws or usually given the ability of failure (for example, fail at finding love) Disillusioned by society or misunderstood by others in his or her society

Stylistic Characteristics (Setting, Point of View) Competency Area #2 (Themes and Essential Ideas) SETTING Usually an urban setting that is realistic More meaning to it than just where the story takes place (may function as a character) Reflects the complexities of modern urban life: crowded living conditions, pollution, etc. POINT OF VIEW Multiple narrative points of view (a number of different narrators) Usually, but not exclusively, third person point of view