* Stream of Consciousness: Modernist literature often employed a stream of consciousness narrative style, where the reader experiences the character's thoughts and feelings in a fluid, sometimes fragmented way. The two narrators in *My Ántonia* present their recollections in a way that echoes this style, jumping between memories and reflections, mirroring the complexities of memory and perception.
* Non-linear Narrative: Modernist writers often rejected traditional linear narratives, instead opting for fragmented, non-linear structures that mirrored the complexities of human experience. The novel's beginning at the end and its shifting perspectives across time contribute to this non-linear structure.
* Subjectivity of Perspective: Modernist literature emphasizes the subjective nature of experience and the unreliability of perspective. The two narrators in *My Ántonia* offer distinct perspectives on the same events, highlighting the role of individual perception in shaping memory and interpretation.
While the novel also exhibits elements of realism and naturalism, the use of two narrators beginning at the end is a hallmark of modernist techniques.
Here's how the other influences play a role:
* Realism: *My Ántonia* depicts everyday life on the American frontier with a focus on accurate detail and social realism. The novel's focus on themes like immigration, social class, and the struggle for survival are all consistent with realist approaches.
* Naturalism: The novel emphasizes the impact of environment and social forces on individuals, particularly in its portrayal of the hardships faced by immigrants. The novel's bleak outlook on life and its emphasis on determinism also align with naturalistic principles.
Ultimately, *My Ántonia* blends various literary influences, but the use of the two narrators and the non-linear structure point most directly to the novel's modernist roots.