Unit 2 Trends and Movements :

 

Unit 2  :   Trends and Movements

What is Modernism? Explain the characteristics of Modernism.

In literature, visual art, architecture, dance, and music, Modernism was a break with the past and the concurrent search for new forms of expression. Modernism fostered a period of experimentation in the arts from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, particularly in the years following World War I..

Characteristics of Modernism:

Rejection of Tradition: Modernists challenged conventional norms and rejected traditional values and beliefs.

Experimentation: They embraced experimentation and innovation, exploring new forms, techniques, and styles.

Fragmentation: Modernist works often featured fragmented narratives or structures, reflecting the disintegration of traditional societal structures.

Subjectivity: Modernists focused on individual experience and subjective perception rather than objective reality.

Alienation and Isolation: Many Modernist works depicted themes of alienation, isolation, and disillusionment with society.

Urbanization: Modernists were influenced by the rapid urbanization and industrialization of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting this in their works.

Stream of Consciousness: In literature, Modernists often employed stream of consciousness techniques, depicting the flow of thoughts and feelings of characters.

Cultural and Political Critique: Modernists critiqued prevailing cultural and political ideologies, questioning authority and social structures.

Multiplicity of Perspectives: Modernist works often presented multiple perspectives, challenging the notion of a single, objective truth.

Emphasis on the Present: Modernists focused on the present moment and the immediate experiences of individuals, rather than dwelling on the past or speculating about the future.

Explain ‘Stream of Consciousness’.

Stream of Consciousness is a narrative technique used in literature to depict the flow of thoughts, feelings, and sensations of a character in an uninterrupted and continuous manner. It aims to capture the inner workings of the character's mind, often without clear delineation between thoughts, memories, perceptions, and associations.

In stream of consciousness writing, sentences may be fragmented, syntax may be unconventional, and there may be a lack of chronological order as thoughts jump from one idea to another, mimicking the unpredictable nature of human thought. This technique allows readers to delve deep into the character's psyche, experiencing their innermost thoughts and emotions as they occur in real time.

Authors such as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and William Faulkner are known for their pioneering use of stream of consciousness in literature, employing it to explore themes of identity, perception, and consciousness itself.

Expressionism

Expressionism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in Germany, as a response to the societal upheavals and psychological tensions of the time. It sought to express the inner emotions, subjective experiences, and psychological states of the artists rather than depicting objective reality.

Key Characteristics of Expressionism:

1. Emotional Intensity Distortion and Exaggeration Subjectivity over Objectivity Bold Use of Color Confrontation with Reality Rejection of Tradition Social Critique

   Exploration of the Subconscious.

Absurdism :

Absurdism is a philosophical concept that suggests the inherent conflict between the human tendency to seek meaning in life and the apparent meaninglessness of the universe. It emerged primarily in the works of existentialist philosophers such as Albert Camus.

Key Characteristics of Absurdism

• Recognition of the Absurd
• Embrace of the Absurd
• Rejection of Rationalization
• Emphasis on Individual Freedom
• Acceptance of the Absurd Condition

Surrealism :

Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its exploration of the subconscious mind, dreams, and the irrational. It sought to unlock the creative potential of the unconscious and challenge conventional notions of reality.

characteristics of Surrealism listed:

• Exploration of the Subconscious
• Unconventional Imagery
• Surprise and Shock
• Automatism
• Collage and Assemblage
• Psychological Depth
• Political and Social Critique

Postmodernism :

Postmodernism is a philosophical and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the perceived limitations and assumptions of modernism. It challenged the idea of absolute truth, rejected grand narratives, and emphasized the plurality of perspectives and the fragmentation of knowledge.

Skepticism of Grand Narratives

Relativism and Pluralism

Playfulness and Irony

Hyperreality

Deconstruction

Fragmentation and Discontinuity

Interdisciplinarity and Intertextuality

Consumer Culture Critique

Globalization and H.ybridity

Modernism

Dada Movement :

The Dada Movement was an artistic and cultural movement that emerged during World War I, primarily in Zurich, Switzerland, and later spread to other cities such as Berlin, Paris, and New York. It was characterized by its rejection of traditional aesthetic values, its embrace of chaos and absurdity, and its desire to challenge the prevailing social and cultural norms of the time.

What is comedy of Menace?

The Comedy of Menace is a theatrical genre marked by dark humor and a sense of unease. It features seemingly ordinary situations that escalate into tension and psychological conflict, often with a lingering threat or danger. Playwrights like Harold Pinter and Edward Albee are associated with this genre, which explores themes of power, alienation, and the breakdown of communication

Avant-Garde Movement

The Avant-Garde Movement was a group of artists who wanted to shake things up. They tried new and wild ideas that broke the rules of traditional art. Instead of sticking to old ways, they experimented with new techniques, materials, and forms. Their art often aimed to surprise or shock people and make them think differently about the world. They weren't afraid to talk about big issues like war or society's problems. And they didn't just stick to one type of art – they mixed things up, combining different art forms like painting, music, and theater. Overall, they were like pioneers, leading the way for new and exciting art.