Here's a breakdown of how it reacted:
* Against Realism: Modernist literature challenged the idea that literature should simply depict reality in a straightforward, objective manner. Instead, they focused on subjective experiences, fragmented perspectives, and the exploration of the inner world of characters.
* Against Traditional Forms: Modernism experimented with new forms and styles, breaking away from traditional structures like the well-defined plot, clear-cut characters, and predictable endings. They embraced stream of consciousness, free verse, and non-linear narratives.
Modernism was born out of a sense of disillusionment with the world after World War I, and it sought to capture the fragmentation, uncertainty, and alienation of the modern age.
Here are some key features of Modernist literature:
* Subjectivity and Stream of Consciousness: Emphasis on inner thoughts and feelings, often conveyed through fragmented language and non-linear narratives.
* Focus on the Individual: Exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in a complex and uncertain world.
* Emphasis on Form and Style: Experimentation with new literary techniques, such as free verse, fragmented syntax, and unconventional use of imagery.
* Themes of Alienation, Fragmentation, and Disillusionment: Reflection of the anxieties and uncertainties of the modern age.
Examples of Modernist Writers:
* James Joyce
* Virginia Woolf
* T.S. Eliot
* Ernest Hemingway
* Gertrude Stein
* Franz Kafka
Let me know if you'd like to explore any of these features or writers in more detail!