Here's why:
* Focus on subjectivity: Modernist writers were concerned with portraying the subjective experience of individuals, their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. This means the story isn't always about a clear, objective plot but about the character's inner world.
* Stream of consciousness: Techniques like stream of consciousness, where thoughts and feelings are presented in a jumbled, associative way, further blur the lines between reality and the character's perception.
* Rejection of traditional plot structures: Modernist writers often rejected the neat resolutions and clear-cut morality of traditional narratives. They believed that life is messy, uncertain, and often without clear answers.
* Exploration of psychological complexity: The focus on internal reality often leads to the exploration of complex psychological states, making it difficult to neatly resolve conflicts or offer clear-cut solutions.
Examples:
* James Joyce's "Ulysses": The novel follows a day in the life of Leopold Bloom, but it's largely focused on his thoughts, memories, and associations, leaving many questions unanswered.
* Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway": The novel explores the inner lives of several characters as they navigate a day in London. There's no traditional plot resolution, but rather a sense of the ongoing flow of life and consciousness.
* Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis": The story of Gregor Samsa's transformation into a bug leaves many questions open about the meaning of the change and its impact on Gregor and his family.
In Conclusion:
The lack of resolution in Modernist fiction isn't a flaw but a deliberate choice reflecting the writers' belief in the complexity and ambiguity of human experience. Instead of tidy endings, we are often left with the feeling of an ongoing journey, an exploration of the human psyche, and a sense of the mystery of existence.