If we want to understand what is postmodernism ,we have to find what are the main
differences between modernism and postmodernism.
Modernism ranged from the 1890s to the 1940s, but postmodernism came to form in the mid-
20th century, approximately in the 1950s, up to the late 20th century. The former was a
response to fast-moving changes that were happening in society, politics, and technology in
the form of such structures as industrialization and urbanization. In contrast, postmodernism
was a reaction to the failures and shortcomings of modernism in handling the intricacies of
society and culture.
While Modernism focuses on objective truths, universal meanings, and grand narratives-large
universal ideas-it assumes some basic truths and often seeks to explain meaning or life and
societal purpose. The Postmodern perspective denies the existence of one objective truth or
any kind of grand narrative. The truth is seen as relative and meaning is a construction rather
than an inherent fact. Very often, it relies on the use of paradox, irony, and fragmentation.
It believes in progress, innovation, and improvement. Many modernists believed that through
art and literature, people can understand society and help in improving it.
Postmodernism distrusts progress, and questions innovation for its own sake; it is skeptical of
the idea that human civilization is improving over time toward a "better" future.
Barry’s approach in Beginning Theory helps readers see postmodernism as a reply to, and
criticism of, modernism. Postmodernism accepts uncertainty, variety, and the lack of clear
truths, showing the complex and uncertain parts of today’s world.
"The postmodern artist is a maker of meaning and the creator of meaning, not the discoverer
of meaning." — Jean-François Lyotard
LANDMARKS IN POSTMODERNISM
JEAN-FRANÇOIS LYOTARD
His postmodern condition: A Report of Knowledge
The question: What is Postmodernism?
"Incredulity towards meta narratives"
"From every direction we are being urged to put an end to experimentation"
JEAN BAUDRILLARD
"the loss of real"
The result is a culture of "hyper reality
His essay: 'Simulacra and Simulations'
First the sign represents a basic reality
The sign misrepresents the reality
There is no corresponding reality
It bears no relation to any reality at all
JURGEN HABERMAS
The modern period begins with the Enlightenment
A new faith arose in the power of reason
Kant, Voltaire, Lake, Hume
The French Revolution
In conclusion, postmodernism is such an important idea in art, literature, and culture: it
delineates how we see the world and understand it in our own multiple ways. Instead of one
truth, postmodernism says that many truths are possible. This helps us begin to reflect on our
own experiences and feelings. Postmodernism speaks of creativity, always making us
question everything we think we know.
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