1. Contemporary Literature 1950 – Present

2. How Did it Come About? The aftermath of WW II ushered in an age of rapid developments in science and technology. The aftermath of WW II ushered in an age of rapid developments in science and technology. The postwar years offered many Americans increased opportunities for economic and cultural growth, but the individual person seems lost in the fast- paced, computerized world. The postwar years offered many Americans increased opportunities for economic and cultural growth, but the individual person seems lost in the fast- paced, computerized world.

3. Contemporary fiction Contemporary fiction allows for multiple meanings and multiple worlds, uses nontraditional forms, and comments upon itself. Contemporary fiction allows for multiple meanings and multiple worlds, uses nontraditional forms, and comments upon itself. However, it embraces traditional storytellers as well as postmodern risk-takers. However, it embraces traditional storytellers as well as postmodern risk-takers. It features cultural diversity, criss-crosses the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction, and uses subjects, images, and themes from the past fearlessly. It features cultural diversity, criss-crosses the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction, and uses subjects, images, and themes from the past fearlessly.

4. Contemporary Nonfiction Contemporary nonfiction has become a field equal to fiction, though questions about terminology and accuracy still give rise to controversy. Contemporary nonfiction has become a field equal to fiction, though questions about terminology and accuracy still give rise to controversy. New Journalism (or Literary Journalism) has added personal and fictional elements to nonfiction, enhancing its popularity with today’s readers. New Journalism (or Literary Journalism) has added personal and fictional elements to nonfiction, enhancing its popularity with today’s readers.

5. Contemporary Poetry By the early 1950s, many writers and readers felt that modernist poetry – impersonal, allusive, difficult – was no longer appropriate. The times called for a more personal and accessible approach that challenged complacency and convention. By the early 1950s, many writers and readers felt that modernist poetry – impersonal, allusive, difficult – was no longer appropriate. The times called for a more personal and accessible approach that challenged complacency and convention. Landmarks in the revolt against modernist poetry included poems by Alan Ginsberg, Sylvia Plath, and Ann Sexton. Landmarks in the revolt against modernist poetry included poems by Alan Ginsberg, Sylvia Plath, and Ann Sexton.

6. Bibliography Elements of Literature:Fifth Course p. 904- 918 Elements of Literature:Fifth Course p. 904- 918