MODERNISM L a u r e n H i r e s | B r u m b e l o w | A m e r i c a n L i t | M a r c h 1 6 , 2 0 2 0
MODERNISM L a t e 1 9t h- E e a r l y 2 0 t h C e n t u r y Add a Footer2
WHAT IS MODERNISM A b r e a k f r o m t r a d i ti o n ! Modernism was a start for writers and artists to break away from past tradition and beliefs. It was essentiallya collective movement, not closed off to either art or literature. They developed new forms of expression and used them in their writings and art. The modernism movement was at it’s peak in the early 20th century. People grew so tired of the usual forms of expression and writing styles that they became determined to expand their minds and open up new doors. The people of this movement wanted change, so they createdthe change in their writing and art. Growing modern societies and cities, fear of World Wars, and struggles concerning race, gender, and class led to Modernism. Modernism was inspired by a Utopian version of life; almost a belief in moving forward in life, society, technologically, etc. Add a Footer3
MODERNISM c o n ti n u e d Modernism was a type of freedom. Writers were no longer subdued to the past forms of expression. Creativity began to flow, and everyone really showed their potential. Breaking away from basic tradition allowed for the most amazing writings and creations to come about. Modernism was not only influencing literature and art, but also philosophy, science, music, etc. There was a growing need for change, past beliefs became outdated. In literature, writers experimented with fictional point of views, prose poetry, individual consciousness, and man’s struggles. 4
WHAT IS MODERNISM M o d e r n i s m i n P o e t r y -less complex language -non-traditional -lack of imagery of nature -more negative, or pessimistic -vague, allowed the reader to interpret the poems on their own Add a Footer5
POETS IN MODERNISM F r o s t , C u m m i n g s , M o o r e , W i l l i a m s , S a n d b u r g Add a Footer6
FROST • Robert Frost was a poet during the Modernism period; his poems consisted of his experiences and voice. His poems did consist of nature considering his location, however they were vague, relatively negative, and simplified. In Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, the speaker stops to watch the snowfall and dwell on the dark and tiresome journey ahead of him. “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep,” (Frost 13, 14, 15). This excerpt represents Modernism because it shows his pessimistic point of view. The speaker admires the woods, however he knows he cannot stay. He’s resenting the journey ahead of him and longing for his death. Frost captured his true feelings of sadness in this poem. He implied his feelings and remained vague by emphasizing his long journey before death.
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