Contemporary, Popular and Emergent Literature

1. What is contemporary? Emergent
literature?

2. In your own understanding, give the
meaning of literature in ONE word?

3. LET’S PLAY A GAME!

4. 4 PICS 1 BOOK

14. Introduction about Contemporary
and Popular Literature
Historical background
Significant writers and writings of the period
Features and Characteristics of Contemporary Writings
Themes and Motifs of Contemporary Literature

15. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

16. Postcolonial Literature:
• Postcolonial literature emerged as a response to the legacies
of colonialism and the struggle for independence in many
parts of the world.
• Writers from former colonies, such as Chinua Achebe,
Arundhati Roy, and Derek Walcott, explored themes of
identity, cultural hybridity, and the impact of colonialism on
societies.

17. Post-World War II Era (1945-1960s):
• World War II profoundly influenced the literary landscape. The devastation
and trauma of the war led to a shift in literary themes and styles.
• Existentialism emerged as a significant philosophical movement, exploring
themes of alienation, absurdity, and the search for meaning. Writers like
Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre contributed to this movement.
• The Beat Generation, including writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen
Ginsberg, rejected mainstream society and embraced countercultural ideals,
influencing the development of contemporary literature.

18. War and Conflict Literature:
• The continued prevalence of war and conflict in the
contemporary world has influenced literature.
• Writers such as Tim O'Brien, Khaled Hosseini, and Viet
Thanh Nguyen have depicted the experiences of soldiers, the
impacts of war on individuals and societies, and the search
for peace and reconciliation.

19. Civil Rights Movement and Counterculture
(1960s-1970s):
• The Civil Rights Movement in the United States and social upheavals worldwide had
a profound impact on literature.
• African American writers such as James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Toni Morrison
explored racial identity, discrimination, and the quest for equality.
• Feminist literature gained prominence, with authors like Simone de Beauvoir, Betty
Friedan, and Adrienne Rich advocating for gender equality and challenging
patriarchal norms.
• The counterculture movement rejected traditional values, and authors like Ken
Kesey and Hunter S. Thompson experimented with unconventional narratives and
embraced drug culture.

20. Postmodernism and Fragmentation (1970s-
1990s):
• Postmodern literature emerged as a response to the dominance of modernism. It
challenged traditional narrative structures and questioned the idea of absolute
truths.
• Postmodern authors, such as Thomas Pynchon and Italo Calvino, employed
fragmented narratives, intertextuality, and metafiction to reflect the fragmented
nature of contemporary society.
• Deconstruction, a literary theory popularized by Jacques Derrida, examined the
instability of language and meaning, influencing postmodern literary works.

21. Globalization and Cultural Diversity (1990s-
Present):
• The advent of globalization and increased interconnectedness shaped
contemporary literature.
• Writers began exploring multicultural and diasporic experiences, representing
diverse voices and perspectives. Authors like Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri,
and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie showcased the complexities of cultural
identity in a globalized world.
• Issues like immigration, hybrid identities, and the clash of cultures became
prominent themes in contemporary literature.

22. Technological Advancements and Digital
Literature:
• The rise of technology and the digital age revolutionized the way literature is
created, distributed, and consumed.
• Digital literature, including hypertext fiction, interactive storytelling, and
online platforms, opened new possibilities for narrative experimentation and
reader engagement.
• Authors like Jennifer Egan and Cory Doctorow incorporated technology and
digital mediums into their works, exploring its impact on society and human
experiences.

23. Digital Age and Changing Reading Habits:
• The advent of the digital age has transformed reading habits and the
publishing industry.
• E-books, audiobooks, and online platforms have provided new avenues for
publishing and accessing literature, changing the dynamics of the literary
world.
• Writers have also engaged with the impact of technology on human
relationships, privacy, and the nature of storytelling in the digital era.

24. Environmental Concerns and Eco-Literature:
• With the increasing awareness of environmental issues and
climate change, contemporary literature has addressed these
concerns.
• Eco-literature, also known as environmental literature, examines
humanity's relationship with nature, the consequences of
environmental degradation, and the need for sustainability.
Authors like Margaret Atwood and Barbara Kingsolver have
delved into these themes.

25. LGBTQ+ Literature:
• The LGBTQ+ rights movement has had a significant impact on
contemporary literature, leading to an increase in LGBTQ+
voices and narratives.
• Authors like Audre Lorde, Armistead Maupin, and Sarah Waters
have explored themes of sexuality, gender identity, discrimination,
and the fight for equality.

26. SIGNIFICANT WRITERS AND
WRITINGS

27. Chinua Achebe
• "Things Fall Apart" (1958) -
Achebe's seminal work, which
explores the clash between
traditional African culture and the
arrival of European colonialism.
• Nigerian novelist

28. Salman Rushdie
• "Midnight's Children" (1981) - This
novel, which won the Booker Prize,
delves into India's history and
independence through the story of a boy
born at the stroke of midnight on the
day of India's independence.
• American-British-Indian novelist

29. Arundhati Roy
• "The God of Small Things"
(1997) - Roy's debut novel, which
won the Booker Prize, examines
social hierarchies, caste divisions,
and forbidden love in Kerala,
India.
• Indian novelist

30. Derek Walcott
• "Omeros" (1990) - Walcott's
epic poem, inspired by Homer's
"The Iliad," explores themes of
Caribbean identity, colonialism,
and the legacy of slavery.
• St. Lucian poet

31. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
• "Petals of Blood" (1977) - Thiong'o's
novel critiques post-colonial Kenya,
addressing themes of corruption,
political disillusionment, and the
struggles of ordinary citizens.
• Kenyan author

32. Jamaica Kincaid
• "Annie John" (1985) - Kincaid's semi-
autobiographical novel portrays the
coming-of-age of a young girl in
Antigua, grappling with colonial
education and cultural identity.
• Antiguan-American novelist

33. Jean Rhys
• "Wide Sargasso Sea" (1966) - Rhys
reimagines the story of Bertha
Mason from Charlotte Brontë's
"Jane Eyre," giving voice to the
marginalized and colonized figure in
a postcolonial context.
• British novelist

34. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• "Half of a Yellow Sun" (2006) -
Adichie's novel chronicles the Nigerian
Civil War through the perspectives of
various characters, exploring themes of
identity, nationalism, and the impact of
conflict.
• Nigerian writer

35. Amitav Ghosh
• "The Shadow Lines" (1988) - Ghosh's
novel explores the complexities of
borders, history, and memory,
intertwining personal narratives with
historical events in India and
Bangladesh.
• Indian writer

36. Tsitsi Dangarembga:
• "Nervous Conditions" (1988) -
Dangarembga's novel focuses on the
experiences of a young girl in
colonial Zimbabwe, examining
gender, education, and cultural
identity.
• Zimbabwean novelist

37. V.S. Naipaul
• "A House for Mr. Biswas" (1961) -
Naipaul's novel tells the story of an Indo-
Trinidadian man's quest for identity and
independence in a postcolonial society.
• Trinidadian-British writer
• Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipul – full
name

38. Buchi Emecheta
• "The Joys of Motherhood" (1979) -
Emecheta's novel explores the
challenges faced by women in Nigeria,
addressing themes of motherhood,
gender roles, and cultural
expectations.
• Nigerian novelist

39. Nuruddin Farah
• "Maps" (1986) - Farah's novel
examines the impact of civil war
on a Somali family, delving into
themes of exile, displacement,
and the search for belonging.
• Somali novelist

40. Aminatta Forna
• "The Memory of Love" (2010) -
Forna's novel set in Sierra Leone
explores love, loss, and the lingering
effects of war, intertwining the lives
of its diverse characters.
• Scottish writer

41. J.M. Coetzee
• "Disgrace" (1999) - Coetzee's novel,
set in post-apartheid South Africa,
tackles issues of race, power, and
redemption through the story of a
disgraced professor.
• South African-Australian novelist

42. Kamila Shamsie
• "Home Fire" (2017) - Shamsie's novel
explores themes of identity, loyalty,
and the clash between family and
political allegiances in the context of
a British Muslim family.
• Pakistani-British writer

43. Hanan al-Shaykh
• "Women of Sand and Myrrh" (1989)
- al-Shaykh's novel tells the story of
four women in an unnamed Arab
Gulf state, examining themes of
gender, tradition, and societal
constraints.
• Lebanese author

44. Mia Couto
• "Sleepwalking Land" (1992) -
Couto's novel, set during
Mozambique's civil war, explores
the power of storytelling and the
impact of war on individuals and
communities.
• Mozambican writer

45. Rohinton Mistry
• "A Fine Balance" (1995) - Mistry's
novel follows the lives of four
characters in India, highlighting
themes of caste, poverty, resilience,
and the human spirit.
• Indian-Canadian writer

46. Yvonne Vera
• "Butterfly Burning" (1998) - Vera's
novel explores the experiences of a
young woman in colonial Zimbabwe,
delving into themes of love,
oppression, and personal liberation.
• Zimbabwean author

47. FEATURES AND
CHARACTERISTICS OF
CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

48. Diversity and Plurality
•Contemporary literature reflects the diverse
voices and experiences of writers from
various backgrounds, cultures, and identities.
It embraces a plurality of perspectives,
narratives, and styles.

49. Exploration of Identity
• Contemporary literature often delves into the
complexities of individual and collective identities,
including race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and
cultural background. It examines how these
identities shape experiences, relationships, and
societal dynamics.

50. Social and Political Commentary
• Contemporary literature frequently engages with
pressing social and political issues of the time. It
offers critiques of power structures, addresses
social injustices, and highlights the struggles and
triumphs of marginalized communities.

51. Experimentation with Form and Narrative
Techniques
• Contemporary literature challenges traditional narrative
structures and experiments with innovative forms and
techniques. It may employ non-linear narratives,
fragmented storytelling, multiple perspectives, and
metafiction to reflect the complexities of contemporary
life.

52. Hybridity and Interdisciplinary Approaches
• Contemporary literature often blurs the boundaries
between genres, incorporating elements from
multiple disciplines such as history, philosophy,
science, and popular culture. It embraces hybrid
forms like magical realism, speculative fiction, and
auto fiction.

53. Global Perspectives and Transnational Themes
• Contemporary literature reflects our
interconnected world, exploring transnational
themes such as migration, diaspora, globalization,
and cultural exchange. It offers insights into the
intersections of local and global experiences.

54. Technology and Digital Narratives
• Contemporary literature reflects the influence of
technology and digital culture on human
experiences. It may incorporate elements of virtual
reality, social media, or explore themes related to
privacy, artificial intelligence, and the impact of
technology on relationships.

55. Ecological and Environmental Concerns
• With the growing awareness of environmental
issues, contemporary literature often addresses
ecological themes, such as climate change,
sustainability, and humanity's relationship with
nature.

56. Representation and Inclusivity
• Contemporary literature strives for greater
representation and inclusivity, seeking to amplify
the voices of marginalized communities. It
challenges traditional norms and seeks to dismantle
stereotypes and biases.

57. Intertextuality and Literary References
• Contemporary literature often engages in
intertextuality, referencing and dialoguing with
other literary works. It may draw inspiration from
canonical texts, reinterpret myths and classics, or
incorporate pop culture references.

58. THEMES AND MOTIFS OF
CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

59. Identity and Self-Exploration
• Contemporary literature often delves into the
complexities of individual and collective identities,
including questions of race, gender, sexuality, cultural
heritage, and personal agency. It explores the search for
self-identity, the fluidity of identity, and the impact of
societal norms and expectations.

60. Social Injustice and Marginalization
• Many contemporary works tackle social issues and
inequalities, shedding light on issues such as racism,
sexism, classism, and discrimination. They address
the experiences of marginalized individuals and
communities and strive for social justice and equity.

61. Family and Relationships
• Contemporary literature often explores the
dynamics of family relationships, including themes
of love, loss, generational conflicts, and the
complexities of familial bonds. It examines how
family structures evolve and adapt to societal
changes.

62. Memory and Trauma
• The exploration of memory and trauma is a
recurring theme in contemporary literature. It
examines the lasting impact of past experiences,
both personal and collective, on individuals and
communities. It explores the ways in which
memory shapes identity and relationships.

63. Globalization and Cultural Identity
• Contemporary literature reflects the effects of
globalization on cultural identities and
communities. It explores the tensions between
local and global cultures, the challenges of
assimilation, and the preservation of cultural
heritage in a globalized world.

64. Technology and Digital Culture
• The impact of technology and digital culture is a
prevalent theme in contemporary literature. It explores
how technology shapes human experiences, relationships,
and societal structures. It addresses topics such as virtual
reality, social media, surveillance, and the blurring of
online and offline identities.

65. Environmental Concerns
• Many contemporary works engage with ecological and
environmental issues, reflecting the growing awareness of
climate change, sustainability, and humanity's relationship
with the natural world. They explore the consequences of
environmental degradation and the need for
environmental stewardship.

66. Alienation and Displacement
• Contemporary literature often explores the
experiences of individuals who feel alienated or
displaced within their societies. It examines themes
of loneliness, isolation, cultural dislocation, and the
search for belonging in an increasingly globalized
and fragmented world.

67. Power and Resistance
• Many contemporary works examine power
dynamics, both personal and systemic, and explore
themes of oppression, resistance, and social
change. They shed light on the struggle for justice
and liberation in various contexts.

68. Existentialism and the Human Condition
• Contemporary literature often contemplates the
human condition and existential questions. It
explores themes of mortality, meaning of life,
freedom, and the search for personal authenticity
in a complex and often uncertain world.