1. Postmodern/ Contemporary Literature

2. Origins of the Era Atomic bomb—1945 Atomic bomb—1945 Aftermath of WW II Aftermath of WW II Increasing technology Increasing technology

3. Atomic Anxiety Created fear/ panic Created fear/ panic Cold War Cold War Bomb shelters Bomb shelters

4. Effects Gallows Humor: Gallows Humor: Ironic humor/ dark humor Ironic humor/ dark humor DISILLUSIONMENT and CYNICISM! DISILLUSIONMENT and CYNICISM!

5. Increased Disillusionment/ Disconnect Vietnam Vietnam Watergate Watergate Me Generation Me Generation Generation X Generation X Generation Y/ Me2/ i Generation Y/ Me2/ i

6. Impact of Technology Rapid development in science and technology has impacted Rapid development in science and technology has impacted entertainment entertainment communication communication information information global issues global issues ***the individual person often seems lost in the fast-paced, computerized world ***the individual person often seems lost in the fast-paced, computerized world

8. Postmodern Fiction Diversity of voices Diversity of voices Multiple meanings and interpretations Multiple meanings and interpretations Nontraditional forms Nontraditional forms Works comment upon themselves, criticize themselves Works comment upon themselves, criticize themselves

9. Postmodern Nonfiction Blends elements of fiction with nonfiction Blends elements of fiction with nonfiction Irony, foreshadowing, characterization, etc. Irony, foreshadowing, characterization, etc. The New Journalism: The New Journalism: Adds personal elements Adds personal elements Literary devices Literary devices

10. Postmodern Poetry Rejection of modern poetry—too impersonal/ complicated Rejection of modern poetry—too impersonal/ complicated New poetry is personal and accessible New poetry is personal and accessible The Beat Generation The Beat Generation Kerouac and Ginsberg Kerouac and Ginsberg Confessional Poets Confessional Poets Plath and Sexton Plath and Sexton