Modernism
The term ‘Modernism’ is widely
used in the early decades of the 19th
century and especially after world war-1 (1914-1918). according to critic
M.H.Abrams,
“the term modernism is used to
identify new and distinctive features
in the subject’s forms, concepts and
style of literature and other arts……..”
Thus, when we say modernism in
literature, it purely indicates new and innovative style, sturucture and
language and form of writing poetry , drama , novel , essays,etc,……….
It is said that modernism was
already started in 1890s, but the process of development was very slow. so the
critic could not identify this movement . However it became “High-Modernism”
after the first world war. in short, the period between 1910 to 1930 was
considered as a high time for modernism in literature. because during this time
writer like, T.S.Eliot , James Joyce , Ezra Pound , Virginia Woolf , Franz
Kafka etc… had produced great variety of writing. some of the best example of
modernist books are as below:
·
‘Ulysses’(1922)
-
James
Joyce
·
‘The
West Land’(1922)
-
T.S.Eliot
·
‘Jacob’s
Room’
-
Virginia
Woolf
·
‘The
Metamorphosis’
-
Franz
Kafka
These are some of early works of
modernist movement. now let us discuss some of the common characteristics of
modernist writings in English literature.
·
Characteristics
of Modernism
-
note
of pessimism, disillusionment and melancholy in writing.
-
sense
of fragmentation and loss of faith.
-
use
of symbol and scientic methodology.
-
reflection
of the modern chaos and confusion.
-
The
bold treatment of love and sex in writing.
-
The
decay of plot and character in writing.
-
Passion
for humanity and humanitarianism.
These are some of
the strong element of the modernist writings. whether it is poetry, novel or
drama. we find these characteristics in common.
The modern novel and poetry portrayed
ugly and broken society of western world due to world war. the writers even
talk about horror terror and destruction
of world war.
E.G.
‘ The waste land’
-
T.S.Eliot
Even we find luck of hope ,
frustration and melancholy in modern writing. the reason is that the modern
writers realised the meaninglessness and suffering of human life.
After that the modern poets and
novelists also talk about loss of faith in god. The tragedy of human society
has shaken them deeply. They stopped believing in god who became merciless and
with pity for human being.
In order to reflect fragmented human
society. The writer started using scientific
methodology and symbolism. Many modern poetry and novels are full of
symbols and scientific methodology.
Example:
“The love song of Alfred prafrock”
-
T.S.Eliot
“ Time Machine”
-
H.G.Well
Due to world wars there was problem and
confusion everywhere, so the society becomes chaotic and fragmented. There was
no peace and calm anywhere . there are many modern novels which reflect the
modern chaos and confusion.
Example:
“Catch-22”
-
Joseph
Heller
“ The Forsyth saga”
-
John
Galsworthy etc,……….
These novels
reflects the dark realities behind world war and society’s lust for power and
materialism.
During modern timr, love and
sex was given special importance. Due to war and frustration, man became pale and sterile. In such situation
writers find love and sex as a source of relaxation.
Example:
“Lady Chatterley’s Lover”
“ Sons and Lovers”
-
D.H.Lawrence
The novelist D.H.Lawrence has given
bold treatment of love and sex in his writing. He considered sex as a spiritual
act which gives man pleasure and peace.
Due to destruction chaos and confusion the writer feels very heavy about
the reality of society and world. They decide to write down their pain and suffering
but they didn’t find old literary form enough and adequate . so they did
innovation in style and technique of writing. They stopped following any rules
about plot and character. In short they did many experiments in writing. They brought
new subject , theme , new style and new language of writing.
Example:
“Ulysses”
-
James
Joyce
“Mrs. Dolloway”
“To The Light House”
-
Virginia
Woolf
These novel are quite different in
style and structure. They are highly subjective in subject.
The last characteristics of modernist
writings is the writers pray for “Humanity” and “Humanitarianism”. though there
was high destruction and chaos ,the human being did not stop living. They struggled
for their existence. In short, the modernist writings celebrates. “Humanity”
and “Humanitarianism”.
Among other European and
American writers who are main representative of modernism are Thomas Mann,
William Faulkner, W.B.Yeats, William Carlos , etc,……..all these writers fallow
one motto of “ to make it new” suggested by Ezra Pound. they broke all traditional
and canonical rules of writing. They give something new.
