The Modern Novel

The modern novel went through three phases:

1-Before 1920s: This period is dominated by two figures Henry James and Joseph Conrad.
They made a significant impact on the world of literature since they were known for creating
intricate character portrayals, particularly in exploring the lives of individuals who faced
moral dilemmas. This period also daces an introduction of new techniques in modern
literature, inspired by fields such as anthropology, psychology, physics, and psychoanalysis.
During this time, the emergence of Darwinian, Freudian, and Einsteinian theories had a
significant impact. Early modernist writers disrupted the agreement between artists and the
public, which assumed that artists were reliable interpreters and representatives of mainstream
culture and ideas. They achieved this by creating unreliable narrators and uncovering the
irrationality that existed at the core of a supposedly rational world. This was especially true for
writers who wrote after World War I and experienced the disillusionment that followed.

2-Between the two World Wars (the interwar period): During this time period, James Joyce,
D.H. Lawrence, and Virginia Woolf were highly regarded authors. Along with their works,
new genres of novels such as detective stories, espionage tales, fantasy, and science fiction
were gaining popularity. The Gothic novel, which has its origins in the late 18th century, also
experienced a resurgence in popularity. Some literary critics believe that the psychological-
social novels presented by Woolf, Joyce, and Lawrence have become stale and that a fresh
perspective on life through narrative is needed. This new movement emphasized the
importance of observing living beings in their natural environments. The modern era
encouraged more women to become writers.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald 1925-novel

3-Post World War II: Academics suggest that modernism ended in the 1950s and 1960s,
shortly after World War II. In his novel Lord of the Flies (1954), William Golding explored
the effects of primal instincts through symbolism, touching on themes like crime, death,
religion, Christianity, and totalitarianism. A group of writers called the “Angry Young Men”,
which included John Braine and John Wain, created a genre of fiction that used a sad tone to
criticize social changes. Kingsley Amis, who made his debut with Lucky Jim in 1954, mocked
the reactionary and arrogant of class-distinction, while Colin MacInnes was one of the first to
document the experiences of Black immigrants in England and the emergence of youth
culture. Many post-World War II literary works delve into the psychological, emotional, and
physical aftermath of war. These pieces explore the impact of war on both individuals and
societies, covering topics like loss, trauma, guilt, and the search for purpose in a shattered
world. Postwar literature is also heavily influenced by existential philosophy, which leads to
frequent contemplation of the meaning and significance of existence in a world that seems
chaotic and lacking in fundamental purpose. Writers like Albert Camus and Samuel Beckett
often explore themes of existentialism, absurdity, and the struggle to create meaning in an
uncertain universe. Besides, postcolonial and dystopian world literature, globalization,
environment movement, civil rights and societal changes literature.
“The Pearl” by John Steinbeck 1947-novella
"A Good Man Is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor 1953-short story

The modern novel aims to accurately depict characters with both good and bad traits,
delving into their inner thoughts and emotions. In modern works, the traditional hero and
villain structure has been abandoned. It's rare to find a character who is purely evil. Instead,
characters often struggle with themselves or a difficult situation. The modernist age, which
followed World War One, was characterized by industrialization, the widespread adoption of
capitalism, societal changes, and technological advancements.