Modernism in literature: a comprehensive analysis of the movement

Modernism in literature is a so-called rebellion against the established norms. Analyzing the tendencies of the period, it is indispensable to emphasize the rejection of the rules and experimentation with the forms. New ways to unveil ideas and express emotions were introduced.

Working on papers about modernism and its characteristics, students frequently struggle to come up with a consistent and comprehensive paper with flawless form and excellent content. Fortunately, they do have an opportunity to find and hire paper writing service experts who will deal with the most challenging projects. All the major peculiarities of modernism in literature, as well as minor specifications, will be taken into account. 

Do you want to learn more about modernism, its certain ideas, and fundamental concepts? Check out a relevant definition offered by Britannica, and keep reading the article to discover critical details. Focus on the examples of modernist literature and check out the list of the most influential writers who changed the literary modernism movement and its peculiarities. 

What is modernism in literature: definition, cultural and historical background

What is modernism in literature? It is a dynamic cultural tradition the history of which goes back to the early 20th century. The writers of the time challenged the norms of Victorian literature and placed emphasis on subjective vision and individual perspectives. Literary modernism was not an isolated process. Instead, it was a steady process that took some time to settle in society. 

At some point, the term modernism was more than just a literary change. It also affected the whole society and its perspective. Keep reading to learn more about the movement, its peculiarities, and the central figures that made it possible.

Writing tip from SpeedyPaper

Key features of modernist literature

What is modernism? What are its key peculiarities? Are there certain features that define the movement? In trying to find answers to these questions, it is indispensable to start with the analysis of modernism in literature and its basic characteristics. When analyzing the literary works of the modernism movement, one will notice a thrilling shift in literary and artistic practices. The rejection of traditional approaches became one of the most prominent features of the modernist literature. The expression of personal emotions, ideas, preferences, and concerns are the extra hallmarks of the style. At the same time, irrespective of all the changes and modifications, modernist authors still combined the new elements with old techniques that made a perfect combination. New meanings and concepts were introduced, making modernism quite a distinctive movement. 

When working on papers about the modernist period, students frequently struggle to come up with reasonable ideas and arguments describing the peculiarities of the time. Does it mean they are destined to fail? There is always an opportunity to hire professional writers who will deal with the most complicated essays about modernism. Besides, check out our sample research papers on modernism to get inspired and receive tons of new ideas that will guide you to the desired results. To achieve the necessary results on your own, you should look through the key features of the movement and follow them working on your project. 

Individualism 

Individualism is the fundamental element of modernism. The individual experiences, opinions, and emotions are much more fascinating and beneficial than actions and events in society. Therefore, the goal of modernism is to describe the subjective reality of a specific person, that the historical events or societal changes. 

Experimentation

A lot of established writing norms were changed during the modernist times. They paved the way for the experimentation of the form. The poets revolted against the rules, cherishing the experimentational techniques. 

Absurdity

During the period of modernism writers viewed the world right as they saw it. However, with the rise of capitalism, fast-paced globalization, and after two World Wars, modernist writers changed their opinions about humankind. As a result, they considered the world to be absurd, which was reflected in their writing. 

Formalism 

The attempts to find new forms of expression were typical for the modernism movement. The creativity and constant search for new concepts were the highlights of the movement. Instead of perceiving the writing process as a laborious craft, it was considered as a creative expression. In the vast majority of instances, the uniqueness of forms was more information than the content. 

Symbolism 

While symbolism existed long before the occurrence of modernism, it became one of its characteristics. Modernist authors and poets reimagined symbolism and unveiled everything that was not said before. The attention to detail and availability of several interpretations made symbolism fundamental for the movement. The works of T.S. Eliot and James Joyce are the great examples of the symbolism in literature. 

Main characteristics of modernism in literature

Modernism is usually described in literature as a revolutionary and rebellious movement. The works of well-known writers of the time introduced diverse novel techniques and thematic concerns. The main feature of modernism in literature is the questioning of everything traditional, including norms and forms. There is an array of other characteristics that define modernism.

Rejection of traditional forms

Modernism in literature is about a revolutionary break from conventional literary methods. The rejection of ethical absolutes and structured composition are the main aspects of the literature of the time. Modernist authors chose to focus on the mess of the age and fragmented reality rather than stick to the norms and follow the tradition.

Experimentation with narrative style and structure

Intensive manipulation of forms, styles, and structures is one of the main characteristics of modernism. A great number of writers have experimented with unique writing techniques, such as the stream-of-consciousness narrative. Exclusive structures, like polyphonic perspectives and fragmented narratives, contributed to the intricacy and depth of the literary works. 

Focus on subjective interiority and experiences

The internal world of the main characters is the main focus of modernist literature. The writers chose to ignore the common traditions and norms, shifting their focus to the subjective experience and internal world of the main characters. Thus, instead of the common and typical external world, readers could notice the introspective and subjective one that is concentrated on the reality perception of the characters and their mental states. Navigation of the complex labyrinth of human hearts and minds is the center of modernist works. 

Non-linear storytelling

While most writers of the time were used to linear storytelling, the modernist period changed the tendency and introduced the era of fragmented and disjoined reality. Reading the works of modernist writers, it is possible to notice the disrupted and fractured storyline that makes people think and analyze more. 

Self-expression and individualism 

In the vast majority of works of modernist writers, individual experience and personal stories take the central role. When analyzing short stories, writers emphasized self-expression and autonomy, setting against cataclysmic events and restrictive societal norms. The individual experience and personal feelings of the main characters highlight the value of individualism in the rapidly changing and advancing world. 

The modernism in literature represented a shift from how the writers perceive the world to how humans experience it. Innovative focus and exclusive techniques help to examine reality and contribute to the changing shape of the up-to-date literature. 

Modernism: common themes

Innovative techniques, unconventional narratives, and exclusive literary devices are used in modernism literature to discuss a few critical topics. The transformation of society, cultural modifications, and other topics may help to understand the modernist movement, its background, spirit, and impact on various aspects of human lives. 

When analyzing modernism, a lot of people describe it as a rebellion against conventional rules and norms. No matter if you talk about modernism in literature, culture, social aspects, or other directions, you will always discover an alternative opinion on a specific topic. As the modernist period is quite long, it is impossible to single out all the possible themes it deals with. Nonetheless, there are a few that are typical for most literary works within the movement. 

Transformation

Modernism and transformation are inseparable, no matter if you consider the change of form, norm, or expression. The overall modernism movement is focused on the concept of radical transformation. 

The theme of change is related to the diversification of identities, beliefs, thoughts, and opinions. It is a so-called rebirth that is fueled mainly by destruction, loss, and war outcomes. Examples of transformation themes can be seen in the works of Franz Kafka, Ernest Hemingway, William Faulker, and others. 

Mythological tales

Unlike other writers, modernists were indifferent to the Greek or Latin myths. Instead, they reimagined those tales and presented them in a new and up-to-date world setting. Mythological tales have always been indispensable parts of modernist literature, which can be noticed in the works of T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, Eugene O’Neill, and others. In their works, they reimagine myths and present them as symbols of something extraordinary and unusual.

Love and sensuality

If you have happened to learn the basics of modernism, you should realize how important the topic of individualism is for the movement. It, in turn, is the foundation for the advancement of other concepts, such as sensualism and love. At the same time, it is fundamental to mention that demystification and disillusionment were not ignored but rather reimagined in a cynical or sometimes realistic manner. 

In modernist literature love is not a magical feeling but rather a socially demanded feeling and something grim and fatalistic. The concepts of feminism, gender roles, and sexuality are also actively discussed, especially in the works of D.H. Lawrence, Virginia Woolf, Katherine Mansfield, and other writers.

Loss, separation, and destruction

War and its cruel experiences are widely discussed in the literature of the modern period. Loss, hopelessness, destruction, and separation are the feelings most writers live through, so they have much to reflect on in their papers. Besides, talking about modernism in literature, it is prominent to mention that topics of destruction, loss, and separation were widely accepted by the readers, as a lot of people happened to live them through. The works of Virginia Woolf, William Faulkner, and Ernest Hemingway are the best examples of the topic presentation. 

Disillusionment and alienation 

The deep sense of disillusionment and alienation is another dominating theme in the literature of the modernism period. The sentiment emphasizes the rough shift of society and complete distrust in institutions marking the era. The feelings of detachment and rootlessness become common and reflect the critical changes that take place in society. 

People of the time are completely dissatisfied with the societal structures and norms that have moved away from their traditional expressions. Thus, the feeling of isolation appears and becomes the major theme of many literary works. 

Stream of consciousness and inner ideas

An uninterrupted, chaotic flow of thoughts and ideas is an impressive technique that is actively used in literary modernism. It helps to emphasize the mental landscapes of characters, as well as their true feelings, memories, and reflections. Although it is not a major theme of modernist literature, it is a great tool used to strengthen any topic and analyze the reality of the time. 

Important writers in modernism 

To understand the peculiarities of the modernist movement and to identify its most critical characteristics, it is indispensable to analyze some of the most prominent personalities of the time. The advancement of modernism in literature would not have been possible without their contribution that has helped to change society. Who are the most known writers of modernism? Their number can hardly be counted, but reading about the most influential ones will help to understand the movement better. 

James Joyce

The Irish novelist and poet is most known for his “Ulysses” and “Finnegans Wake” novels, which became the highlights of his ideas, vision, and concepts. These works helped him push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, trivial structure, and literary techniques. Instead, he became one of the creators whose style and form of expression contributed to the advancement and spread of modernism in literature. Lots of internal monologues, detailed descriptions, and a plethora of techniques used to describe the main characters made him develop an extraordinary style. Modernist themes, such as the issues of social division, enlightenment, destruction, and personal identity, are central to James Joyce's discussions. Apart from the major works by the author, there are multiple short stories and poems that emphasize his unique style. 

Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf is reasonably called the pioneer in modernist literature. As she was one of the first authors to use the stream-of-consciousness techniques, her body of work defined the overall movement. The main themes of her works were relevant for the time and included war, societal inequality, destruction, and similar ones. In addition to them, the feminist topic could be traced in her papers. The most prominent works of the writer include “To The Lighthouse,” “Mrs. Dalloway,” “The Years,” “The Waves,” and others. 

T.S. Eliot

The unique style and extraordinary vision of T.S. Eliot are known worldwide. A great modernist poet with American roots and flourishing British soil, he has a specific style and authentic vision. “The Waste Land” has become his central work, defined as an indispensable piece of the modernism era. The work is a combination of narratives combined with allusions to diverse literary texts and cultural contexts. The main themes of T.S. Eliot’s works are a disjointed reality and peculiarities of the post-war society.

Ernest Hemingway

When talking about modernism in literature, it is prominent to mention Ernest Hemingway, who is known for the accuracy of his ideas and minimalism in expressions. The radical departure from the Victorian tradition was the central topic and fundamental idea of his works. The novels, like “A Farewell to Arms” and “The Sun Also Rises,” present only a shallow description of the topic, providing readers with an opportunity to dive deeper into the analysis of the topic and its discussion.

The extraordinary style of Ernest Hemingway made him one of the most influential writers of the modernist time. Straightforward, minimalistic, and economical style of writing became his key peculiarities. After witnessing the horrors of war being a journalist on the battlefield, Hemingway could not help but share his emotions and reflections on the topic. The most prominent works of the novelist include “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Sun Also Rises,” which are the highlight of his style and ideas. 

Scott Fitzgerald

“The Great Gatsby” has surely become one of the most prominent works of the author. Although he has other great texts to thrill the readers, it is the best example of modernist literature. The bright portrayal of disillusionment, decadence, and the desperate attempts to fulfill the American Dream make “The Great Gatsby” a great representation of the generation. 

Franz Kafka

With his Austrian-Hungarian routes, Franz Kafka became one of the most significant figures in German literature. The themes of alienation, existentialism, and transformation became central in his works. His “The Metamorphosis” has become an example of the surrealistic, absurdist, and fantastical ideas typical of his style. In the literary world, it was named Kafkaesque, which was used to describe the unique and extraordinary style of the writer. “The Castle,” “The Trial,” and a plethora of other works by the author are deniably worth reading. 

D.H. Lawrence

From the multitude of modernist authors, D.H. Lawrence has become the one to rebel against societal norms, focusing on human sexuality and instincts. Although his works, like “Women in Love,” “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” and “Sons and Lovers,” were overwhelmed with the characteristics of modernism, the author gained the desired recognition only after his death. In addition to sexuality, the topics of his works included spontaneity, modernity, and industrialization. 

Ezra Pound

A well-known American poet, Ezra Pound, was an influential figure in modernist poetry. The free-verse poetry and allusions were the fundamental features of his works. Additionally, imagism, radical experimentalism, and a few other tools made Ezra Pound the embodiment of the spirit of transformation and innovation. The most well-known works of the writer are “Make It New,” “The Cantos,” “In a Station of the Metro,” “The Return,” and others. 

Gertrude Stein 

Gertrude Stein was one of the female writers of the time who was not afraid to discuss complicated topics and focus her attention on the unknown elements. She was not a trivial representative of the modernist authors but rather a distinctive figure with a playful style 

distinctive and playful. The first novel of the writer is called “Q.E.D.Q.E.D.” As Stein was lesbian herself, most of her works were concentrated on the topics of sexuality. Additionally, she was a poet, with the “Tender Buttons” being one of the most prominent poems in her life.

Impact of modernism on today’s literature

When analyzing the role of modernism in literature and other aspects of human lives, it is indispensable to mention that it transcends both time and geography. Writers around the world changed their style and rebelled against the traditional forms and norms in order to achieve the desired freedom. The audacious spirit of innovation and experimentation typical for modernism expanded the vision of the writers and redefined the limits of possibility. 

The stream-of-consciousness technique, as well as a plethora of other aspects, were introduced to society, providing readers with unprecedented access to the internal ideas of the main characters. Consequently, the deeper exploration of human consciousness has become an element that keeps waving through the up-to-date literature. However, the influence of modernism was not temporary. Instead, it was at its peak for some time, but it remains relevant even now. In fact, if you have always been convinced the changes and tendencies of modernism in literature were insufficient and could not affect its further advancement, you have been mistaken. The modernistic movement reshaped the artistic and creative world, introducing new concepts and offering unique concepts. The echo of modernism continues in the literary works of modern writers. 

Conclusion

Talking about modernism in literature, it is indispensable to mention that it revolutionized literature. The movement transformed the concepts typical for the time and set a new era of innovation, unique narrative techniques, psychological exploration, and considerable rupture from traditional norms. Even though there was a lot of criticism of the modernism movement, it changed society, inspired new tendencies, and changed the outlook of the writers. 

Modernism in literature is not simple and trivial but quite a complicated and complex topic. However, the impact of modernism on various aspects of human lives can hardly be denied. When it comes to writing critical reviews of modernism works, a lot of students fail to choose the right topic and succeed with the assignment. Therefore, they start looking for an effective and professional assignment writing service that will help them to come up with a well-structured, consistent, and relevant paper worth appreciation. Although the choice is huge, selecting the best service may be complicated. Focus on the most reputable and up-to-date services that guarantee the safety, dependability, and quality of the experience. Place an order and get a consistent paper about the modernist movement at the right time.