Modernism: An Overview 

    Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Modernism represented a profound shift in artistic and literary expressions that sought to break away from traditional conventions. Characterized by a conscious departure from realism and a preoccupation with subjects such as alienation, identity, and fragmentation, Modernism reflected the complexities of a rapidly changing world shaped by industrialization, war, and technological advances. This current movement inspired writers and artists to move beyond forms and styles playfully and to push the boundaries of not just narrative, but of abstraction as well.

   One of the key features of modernist literature is the use of stream of consciousness, a technique many writers employ to depict the inner thoughts and feelings of characters, thereby emphasizing subjective experience. Some of the most compelling demonstrations of this approach are in James Joyce’s “Ulysses” (1922) and Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” (1925) in which participants are invited to explore the inner experience of the characters. Moreover, fragmentation is a hallmark of modernist texts. The works of modernists tend to be disjointed, unstitched, or fragmented as a reflection of the disordered ways of modern life. Such an approach can be seen vividly in T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” (1922) which juxtaposes multiple voices, cultural allusions, and fractured pictures to create an image of fragmentation. This fragmentation is often carried over to the story-telling itself; modernist literature is often playful with ambiguity and employs non-linear narratives that twist traditional story structures. 

   One of the most prominent features of modernist writing is the emphasis on individualism. A distinctive feature of this literary movement is the focus on personal identity and the self’s place in a world becoming increasingly alienating. Characters frequently face existential issues and, in a search for meaning in the confusion and upheaval of the real world, are thrown into chaos. This psychic battle is a potent embodiment of lay persons’ ambiguities in this new, rapidly evolving world.

   Furthermore, modernist literature has often been found to be based on multiple perspectives, reflecting the dominance of contemporary cultural and philosophical trends such as psychoanalysis and existentialism. Diversification in perspectives and schools of thought adds an extra depth to literature, allowing readers access to innumerable works and perspectives. Among the most recognized authors who guided the movement were Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and Franz Kafka. Their works reveal not only the dilemmas of modern realities but also remain alive in the work of authors today, transforming the sphere of literary production. Being novel in technique, modernist writers made indelible stamps on the maturation of literature, inviting continued engagement with form, style, and content. 

By: Lect. Zena Dhia Mohammed

Department of English