Before World War I:
* Romanticism and Realism: Dominated by themes of love, nature, individual heroism, and social commentary.
* Optimism and Faith: Authors often expressed belief in progress, scientific advancements, and human potential.
* Linear Narrative: Stories tended to follow a clear, chronological structure with a defined beginning, middle, and end.
* Traditional Form: Poetry followed strict rhyme schemes and meters, while prose adhered to established literary conventions.
After World War I:
* Modernism: Emerged as a reaction to the war's devastation, characterized by:
* Loss of Faith and Certainty: Authors questioned traditional values, religious beliefs, and the meaning of existence.
* Disillusionment and Cynicism: Themes of alienation, trauma, and the futility of war became prevalent.
* Fragmentation and Experimentation: Narrative structures became non-linear, stream-of-consciousness, and fragmented, reflecting the shattered world.
* Focus on the Inner World: Emphasis on psychological exploration, subjective experiences, and individual consciousness.
* Modernist Techniques:
* Free Verse: Poetry broke free from traditional forms and experimented with rhythm and imagery.
* Stream of Consciousness: Prose captured the flow of thoughts and feelings without traditional grammatical structures.
* Symbolic Language: Authors used symbols and metaphors to convey complex emotions and ideas.
* Juxtaposition and Irony: Authors employed these techniques to challenge conventional notions and create a sense of unease.
Key Differences:
* Tone: Pre-war literature often conveyed optimism and hope, while post-war literature reflected disillusionment, pessimism, and a sense of loss.
* Themes: Pre-war themes focused on romantic love, nature, and social progress, while post-war themes centered on war trauma, loss, and the search for meaning in a fractured world.
* Narrative Structure: Pre-war narratives were linear and predictable, while post-war narratives became fragmented, experimental, and nonlinear.
* Style: Pre-war literature adhered to traditional forms and conventions, while post-war literature embraced modernism and experimented with new styles and techniques.
Examples:
* Pre-war: Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" (1813), Charles Dickens's "A Tale of Two Cities" (1859), Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" (1869)
* Post-war: Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" (1926), T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" (1922), Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" (1925)
While World War I marked a significant shift, it's important to note that literary trends and styles are always evolving. Modernism continued to influence literature throughout the 20th century, and subsequent events and societal changes further shaped literary landscapes.