MODERN PERIOD IN THE ENGLISH LITERATURE

“make it new” by Ezra Pound

Introduction

Modern period in the English literature begins with the 20th century and remain till 1965. The period
saw an abrupt break away from the old ways of interacting with the world. In all the previous periods
experimentation and individualism were highly discouraged but with the onset of the modern period
both these things became virtues.

"Modern period in the English literature begins with the 20th century and remains till 1965": This means
that the Modern period in English literature started in the early 20th century and continued until 1965. It
signifies a distinct era within literary history.

"The period saw an abrupt break away from the old ways of interacting with the world": During the
Modern period, there was a dramatic departure from traditional ways of thinking and engaging with the
world. This included a rejection of established social, cultural, and artistic conventions.

"In all the previous periods, experimentation and individualism were highly discouraged": In earlier
literary periods, such as the Victorian era, there was less emphasis on experimentation and
individualism. Writers were often expected to adhere to established norms and conventions.

"But with the onset of the Modern period, both these things became virtues": However, in the Modern
period, experimentation and individualism became highly valued. Writers and artists were encouraged to
explore new forms, styles, and ideas, expressing their unique perspectives and pushing the boundaries of
traditional storytelling.

In summary, the phrase describes how the Modern period in English literature represented a significant
shift in mindset, encouraging experimentation and individualism. It marked a departure from the
previous periods where conformity and adherence to established norms were highly regarded. The
Modern period celebrated the freedom to explore new ideas, unconventional writing styles, and
innovative approaches to literature.

During this time, writers were no longer bound by strict rules or expectations, allowing them to express
themselves more authentically. They sought to capture the complexities of the modern world, often
addressing themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the impact of rapid social and technological
changes.

The Modern period was characterized by a wide range of literary movements and styles, including but
not limited to Modernism, Imagism, Surrealism, and the Lost Generation. These movements
encompassed a diverse array of writers who experimented with form, language, and subject matter.

Overall, the Modern period in English literature was a transformative era that challenged the status quo
and ushered in a new wave of artistic expression. It laid the foundation for the literary landscape we
know today, inspiring future generations of writers to continue pushing boundaries and exploring the
depths of human experience.

There were many cultural shocks with the beginning of modernism. The blow of the modern age were
the World War 1 and 2. These wars began in the year 1914 and last till 1919 and 1939 to 1945
respectively. Aftermath of the world wars was traumatic for everyone. The horror of the world war 1
was evident on the face of every citizen. Feeling of uncertainty was spread and no one knew where
the world was heading into.

"There were many cultural shocks with the beginning of modernism": The advent of modernism brought
about significant cultural shocks. This refers to the profound changes and disruptions that occurred in
society, art, and literature during this period.

"The blow of the modern age were the World War 1 and 2": The two major events that had a profound
impact on the modern era were World War 1 and World War 2. These global conflicts had far-reaching
consequences and shaped the collective consciousness of the time.

"These wars began in the year 1914 and lasted till 1919 and 1939 to 1945 respectively": World War 1
started in 1914 and ended in 1919, while World War 2 started in 1939 and ended in 1945. These wars
spanned several years and had a devastating impact on societies worldwide.

"Aftermath of the world wars was traumatic for everyone": The aftermath of both World Wars was
marked by trauma and devastation. The loss of lives, destruction of cities, and the horrors witnessed
during the wars had a profound and lasting impact on individuals and societies.

"The horror of World War 1 was evident on the face of every citizen": World War 1 was a particularly
brutal and devastating conflict, with trench warfare, chemical weapons, and high casualty rates. The
physical and psychological toll it took on individuals was visible and widespread. The experiences of
soldiers and civilians alike left a lasting impression on the collective memory and shaped the cultural
landscape of the time.

"Feeling of uncertainty was spread and no one knew where the world was heading into": The World
Wars created a sense of uncertainty and upheaval. The massive scale of destruction and loss of life left
people questioning the direction of the world. The devastation caused by the wars challenged
established beliefs, norms, and values. Many were left grappling with existential questions and a sense of
disillusionment.

In literature, this sense of uncertainty and disillusionment found expression through various themes and
styles. Writers sought to capture the shattered illusions, the breakdown of traditional values, and the
search for meaning in a post-war world. This period of uncertainty and upheaval contributed to the
emergence and development of modernist literature, as writers grappled with the complexities of the
human condition in the face of unprecedented challenges.

It is important to note that the modernist movement was not influenced by any one single event or
object. Modernism was a cultural movement that encompassed many styles and genres in its short
span.

Despite these differences, it is possible to identify characteristics common to all modernist texts:
personal voice, fragmentation and dislocation, emotional numbness and detachment from society,
alienation, and the use of irony.
(A cultural movement refers to a period of time when there is a collective shift in artistic, intellectual, or
social values and practices within a society. It is characterized by a shared interest in exploring new
ideas, questioning established norms, and pushing boundaries in various aspects of culture.

During a cultural movement, individuals or groups often come together to challenge and redefine
existing beliefs, traditions, and artistic conventions. They may create new styles, forms of expression, or
ways of thinking that reflect the changing social, political, or technological landscapes of their time.)

Modernism refers to a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was
a time when various styles and genres coexisted, resulting in a rich diversity of artistic expressions.

Although modernist texts differed in many ways, there are some common characteristics that can be
identified. The first is the presence of a personal voice, which means that authors often expressed their
own subjective experiences and perspectives in their works. This allowed for a more intimate and
individualized expression of thoughts and emotions.

Another characteristic is fragmentation and dislocation, where modernist texts often presented
fragmented narratives or non-linear storytelling. This approach aimed to challenge traditional structures
and create a sense of complexity and uncertainty.

Emotional numbness and detachment from society is another aspect found in modernist texts. This could
be seen as a response to the rapid changes and challenges brought about by modernity, where
individuals may have felt disconnected or alienated from their surroundings.

Additionally, modernist texts frequently employed irony, a literary technique that involves using language
to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal interpretation. This added a layer of complexity
and allowed authors to critique societal norms or challenge conventional thinking.

Significant Events During This Period

1. WW1 (1914–1918) shattered the concept of progress to many, resulting in fragmentation in

both content and structure. The ideals of the Enlightenment claimed that new technology
would bring progress to humans: technological advances would improve society and quality of
life. Yet this was destroyed by WW1, as technological advances simply increased the mass
destruction of life

 2. The Great Depression was the worst economic downturn in US history. It began in 1929 and
did not abate until the end of the 1930s. The stock market crash of October 1929 signaled the
beginning of the Great Depression. By 1933, unemployment was at 25 percent and more than
5,000 banks had gone out of business.
 3. Industrialisation & Urbanisation: By the beginning of the twentieth century, the western
world was using various inventions of the Industrial Revolution, such as the automobile,
aeroplane and radio. These technological innovations challenged traditional notions of what
was possible in society

Its Impact in literature

The First World War: The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had a profound effect on writers and
artists. It shattered the optimism of the pre-war era and led to a shift in literary themes and
styles. Many writers explored the themes of disillusionment, loss, and the breakdown of
traditional values in their works.

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had a significant impact on the literary and artistic world.
Prior to the war, there was a sense of optimism and confidence in the air, but the war shattered
that outlook and brought about a profound change in the themes and styles of literature and
art.

Writers and artists began to explore the aftermath of the war, delving into the feelings of
disillusionment, loss, and the breakdown of traditional values. They sought to capture the harsh
realities and the emotional toll that the war had on individuals and society as a whole.

Through their works, they expressed the deep sense of despair and the questioning of previously
held beliefs. Many authors reflected on the futility of war, the destruction it brought, and the
profound impact it had on the human psyche.

This shift in themes and styles marked a departure from the optimism and romance of pre-war
literature, giving rise to a more somber and introspective tone. It allowed writers and artists to
convey the complex emotions and experiences of those affected by the war.

Overall, the First World War brought about a transformation in literature and art, prompting a
powerful exploration of the human condition in the face of tragedy and the need to redefine
cultural and societal values.

The Great Depression: The economic crisis of the 1930s, known as the Great Depression,
influenced literature by reflecting the hardships and social inequalities of the time. Many
writers explored themes of poverty, desperation, and the struggle for survival.

The Great Depression was a difficult time in the 1930s when the economy was in a severe crisis.
This period had a significant impact on literature as writers reflected the hardships and social
 inequalities of the era in their works. They explored themes related to poverty, desperation, and
the struggle for survival.

During the Great Depression, many people faced extreme poverty and unemployment. Writers
used their literary skills to shed light on these experiences, capturing the desperation and
challenges faced by individuals and families trying to make ends meet. They depicted the harsh
realities of widespread poverty and the devastating effects it had on people's lives.

Furthermore, writers delved into the social inequalities that were exacerbated during this time.
They highlighted the disparities between the rich and the poor, exposing the unfair distribution of
wealth and power. Through their works, they sought to portray the struggles of the working class
and advocate for social justice.

The literature of the Great Depression served as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the
human toll of economic hardship and prompting discussions about socio-economic inequality. It
provided a platform for writers to express empathy, document the experiences of ordinary
people, and advocate for change.

In summary, the Great Depression influenced literature by inspiring writers to explore themes of
poverty, desperation, and the struggle for survival.

The industrialization and urbanization of the modernist era had a profound impact on the
English language. It introduced new technical vocabulary, contributed to linguistic diversity
through migration, standardized language through mass media, and influenced language usage
through cultural shifts and experimentation.

The industrialization and urbanization during the modernism era indeed had a significant impact on
the evolution of the English language. Allow me to enlighten you!

As society shifted from rural to urban living, the English language underwent various
transformations. The rapid industrialization led to advances in technology, transportation, and
communication, which greatly influenced both the vocabulary and the structure of English.

Firstly, the emergence of new industries introduced a plethora of technical terms and jargon, such as
"automobile," "telegraph," and "assembly line." These neologisms and specialized vocabulary
became integrated into everyday conversations, reflecting the changing landscape of the modern
world.

Moreover, the migration of people from rural areas to cities resulted in a mixing of dialects and
languages, leading to linguistic diversity. This linguistic melting pot enriched English with new words,
accents, and idioms, as people from different backgrounds interacted and shared their unique
linguistic flavors.

Additionally, urbanization also facilitated the spread of mass media, including newspapers, radio,
and eventually television. This mass dissemination of information influenced the standardization of
English, as media outlets aimed to reach a broader audience. Consequently, regional dialects began
to be overshadowed by a more uniform and standardized form of English.
 In addition to the factors I mentioned earlier, the modernist era also witnessed a profound cultural
shift, which had a significant impact on the English language.

Modernism challenged traditional norms and conventions, pushing for new artistic and literary
expressions. This shift in cultural mindset influenced language usage, as writers and artists sought to
break away from established linguistic patterns and explore more experimental forms of expression.

Authors like James Joyce and T.S. Eliot, for example, experimented with stream-of-consciousness
writing and fragmented narratives, pushing the boundaries of language and syntax. This linguistic
experimentation not only influenced literature but also seeped into everyday discourse, contributing
to a more flexible and imaginative use of English.

Furthermore, the rise of consumerism and advertising during this period introduced a new language
of persuasion and marketing. Catchy slogans, product names, and persuasive techniques found their
way into everyday speech, further shaping the evolving English language.

In summary, the industrialization and urbanization of the modernist era had a profound impact on
the English language. It introduced new technical vocabulary, contributed to linguistic diversity
through migration, standardized language through mass media, and influenced language usage
through cultural shifts and experimentation. The English language, always adaptable, continues to
evolve and reflect the ever-changing world we live in.

Characteristics of Modernism in Literature

1. Experimentation: Modernist literature employed a number of different experimental writing

techniques that broke the conventional rules of storytelling.

2. Individualism: Modernist literature typically focuses on the individual, rather than society as a
whole.

3. Multiple perspectives: Many modernist writers wrote in the first person perspective with multiple
characters to emphasize the subjectivity of each character.

4. Free verse: Many modernist poets rejected the traditional structure of poetry and opted for free
verse.

5. Literary devices: Many modernist writers rely on literary devices like symbolism and imagery to
help the reader understand the writing.

Prominent Authors and Famous Works