Modernism 1918-1945

Difference between Realism and Modernism Absolute, tangible People are a product of their upbringing, there’s hope but there’s suffering too. Workers are admirable. MODERNISM Abstract, grey areas People make their own meaning in the world. Psychology and the subconscious, emphasis on the mind more than the physical.

Value Differences in the Modern World Pre-Modern World Modern World (Early 20th Century) Ordered Chaotic Meaningful Futile Optimistic Pessimistic Stable Fluctuating Faith Loss of faith Morality/Values Collapse of Morality/Values Clear Sense of Identity Confused Sense of Identity and Place in the World

Hardships Result of Political Turmoil Fascism The Great Depression The separation and persecution or denial of equality to a certain group based on race, creed, or origin The Great Depression The stock market crash of 1929 makes Americans lose faith. Communism Control of the means of production should rest in the hands of the laborers. Challenges free enterprise. Harlem Renaissance (1920s) African-American poets took their hardships and culture and created unique rhythmic poetry among other artforms.

Scientific Revolution Quantum theory Explains the nature of matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic level Principle of Uncertainty In quantum mechanics: increasing the accuracy of measurement of one observable quantity increases the uncertainty with which another may be known Many-worlds (multi-verse) theory As soon as the potential exists for any object to be in any state, the universe of the object transmutes into a series of parallel universes Copenhagen interpretation: nothing exists until it is measured: Schrödinger's cat (dead and alive)

Schrödinger's cat

Characteristics of Modern Art All move into some state of abstraction, symbolizing the break down of society and the emphasis on the importance of the subconscious. Cubism Dadaism Surrealism

Forces Behind Modernism The sense that our culture has no center, no values, there’s nothing but chaos and uncertainty. Paradigm shift from the closed, finite, measurable, cause-and-effect universe of the 19th century to an open, relativistic, changing, strange universe;

Characteristics of Modern Literature Literature Exhibits Perspectivism Meaning comes from the individual’s perspective and is thus personalized; A single story might be told from the perspective of several different people, with the assumption that the “truth” is somewhere in the middle Inner psychological reality or “interiority” is represented Stream of consciousness—portraying the character’s inner monologue Perception of language changes: Language is “thick” with multiple meanings and varied connotative forces.

Characteristics of Modern Poetry Emphasis on the Experimental Art for art’s sake Organized non-sequentially Ambiguous endings—open endings which are seen as more representative of reality. The Symbolists Focused on creating fresh, original symbols in their poetry The Imagists Strong imagery alone can carry a poem’s emotion and message. Motivated some of the greatest 20th century poetry –Ezra Pound, T. S. Eliot, etc.