Modernism

Modernism
Originally uploaded by Marcos Dopico

Characteristics of Modernism

•Loss is a major theme in modernist works.
•The “truth” is questionable, as a common theme, and many narrators are unreliable, whereas in traditional literature it is the narrator’s job to further understanding. Also, there may be more than one narrator, showing the diversity of truth.
•More use of the first person narrative, reflecting the lack of universal truth, i.e. there are only individual truths.
•The destruction of the family unit.
•Characters may be given little or no physical description, and one or more characters is usually an "outcast."
•Authority figures are often untrustworthy, reflecting the question of truth.
•Movement away from religion.
•The reversal of traditional roles
•Ambiguous endings
•Often setting is more than just the setting (i.e. more meaning to it than just where the story takes place), or, maybe there is no setting at all
•The use of improper grammar to reflect dialect.
•Fragmentation – in plot, characters, theme, images, and overall storyline. Thus, for instance, many modernist works are not in the typical linear sequence.

In Poetry:

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5664

In Prose:

http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/943010

In Art:

http://www.arteducation.com.au/art-movements/modernism.php

In Film:

http://www.visual-memory.co.uk/amk/doc/0092.html