Modern Period Historical Context Characteristics Prominent Authors Literary Movement

1. Modern
Period
Presented by: Merry Cris Vargas

2. Modern Literature is a rich and diverse literary period
that emerged in the late 19th century and extended
into the 20th century. It represents a remarkable
departure from the literary traditions that preceded it,
marked by a dynamic and often experimental
approach to storytelling, language, and themes.
This period of literature is characterized by its
response to profound societal, cultural, and
technological changes, making it a mirror to the rapidly
evolving world of the time.

3. Historical Context
The modern period in literature emerged as a response to the
profound changes occurring in society, including industrialization,
urbanization, and the impact of two world wars
It was a time of great social upheaval, with movements like
feminism, civil rights, and labor rights shaping the cultural and
political landscape.
The period began in the late 19th century with the advent of
movements such as Realism, Naturalism, and Symbolism.

4. Modernist literature often focuses on the individual's subjective experience and
consciousness. It delves into the complexities of individual thought, emotion,
and identity.
Authors such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf employ stream-of-
consciousness narration, which allows readers to access characters' inner
thoughts and perceptions.
Modernist writers were known for their willingness to experiment with
narrative techniques, structures, and styles. They sought to break away from
conventional forms of storytelling.
Techniques like non-linear narratives, fragmented storytelling, and multiple
perspectives were commonly used to reflect the fractured nature of modern
life.
5 Key Characteristics of Modernist Literature:
1. Individualism:
2. Experimentation:

5. Modernist literature often explores the absurdity of the human condition in the face of a
rapidly changing and often disorienting world.
Works like Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" and Albert Camus' "The Stranger" highlight
the sense of existential absurdity and alienation.
Symbolism plays a significant role in Modernist literature. Authors use symbols, metaphors,
and allegories to convey deeper layers of meaning and explore complex themes.
For example, T.S. Eliot's poem "The Waste Land" is laden with symbolic imagery that
represents the disillusionment and fragmentation of post-World War I society.
Modernist literature often employs a formalist approach, emphasizing the structure and
style of the work. Authors pay careful attention to language, syntax, and narrative technique.
This formalism can result in complex and innovative prose or poetry that challenges
traditional grammar and syntax.
3. Absurdity:
4. Symbolism:
5. Formalism:

6. James Joyce: His novel "Ulysses" is a hallmark of modernist literature, famous for
its complexity, stream-of-consciousness narrative, and intricate structure. "A
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" is another notable work.
Virginia Woolf: Known for novels like "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse,"
Woolf's writing explores the inner lives of her characters and the complexities of
human consciousness.
Franz Kafka: His works, such as "The Metamorphosis" and "The Trial," are
characterized by surreal and absurd elements, often dealing with themes of
existentialism and bureaucracy.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The author of "The Great Gatsby," which examines the American
Dream and the disillusionment of the Jazz Age.
Prominent Authors and Works:

7. T.S. Eliot: Renowned for his poetry, especially "The Waste Land," which
is often considered one of the most significant poems of the 20th
century. It reflects the fragmentation and disillusionment of the post-
World War I world.
Ernest Hemingway: Known for his concise and understated prose
style, Hemingway's works like "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A
Farewell to Arms" capture the experiences of the "Lost Generation"
after World War I.
William Faulkner: His novels, including "The Sound and the Fury" and
"As I Lay Dying," employ complex narrative structures and explore the
South's changing social landscape.

8. Modernism: A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century and
continued into the early 20th century. It emphasized innovation, self-consciousness,
and a break from traditional literary forms.
Existentialism: Philosophical and literary movement focusing on themes of
individual existence, freedom, and choice. Authors like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert
Camus contributed to existentialist literature.
Surrealism: An artistic and literary movement that explored the irrational and
dreamlike aspects of human experience. André Breton and Salvador Dalí were key
figures in surrealism.
Naturalism: Building on earlier realist literature, naturalism focused on the influence
of environment and heredity on human behavior. Writers like Emile Zola exemplify
this movement.
Literary Movements:

9. Thank You!