1. The Rise of the "New Reader": Modernism emerged during a period of significant societal change, marked by the rise of mass literacy and a new type of "modern reader." This reader was assumed to be:
* Educated and Sophisticated: Modernists assumed their readers were intelligent and capable of engaging with complex ideas and experimental techniques.
* Urban and Cosmopolitan: Modernism often dealt with themes of alienation, urban life, and the breakdown of traditional values, so it was assumed that the reader shared a similar experience of modernity.
* Open to Innovation: Modernists were pushing the boundaries of traditional forms and conventions, so they expected their readers to be open to new ways of writing and reading.
2. A Desire to Challenge and Provoke: Modernist writers aimed to break away from Victorian conventions and traditional literature. They wanted to:
* Shatter Illusions: Modernists believed that traditional narratives and romanticized views of the world were misleading and needed to be challenged.
* Reveal Reality: Modernist writers aimed to depict the complex, fragmented, and often unsettling reality of modern life. They used techniques like stream-of-consciousness and fragmentation to reflect the chaotic nature of the modern experience.
* Force Readers to Think Critically: Modernists wanted to engage readers intellectually and make them active participants in the reading process.
3. A Sense of Disillusionment and Alienation: Modernist writers often felt alienated from a world that seemed to be losing its sense of meaning and purpose. They:
* Reflected the Angst of Modernity: They explored themes of disillusionment, despair, and the search for meaning in a world that had been shattered by war, technological advancements, and social upheaval.
* Emphasized the Individual: Modernist literature focused on the subjective experiences of individuals, reflecting the sense of isolation and fragmentation that many felt in the modern world.
4. A Desire for Artistic Autonomy: Modernists sought to create a literature that was independent from traditional values and conventions. They believed that art should be:
* Self-Expressive: Modernist literature often reflected the personal vision and experiences of the author.
* Form-Breaking: Modernists experimented with new forms and techniques to express their artistic vision and challenge the limitations of traditional literature.
It's important to note that these assumptions were not universally shared by all Modernist writers or readers. There was a range of approaches within Modernism, and not all writers were equally elitist or challenging in their approach. However, the general tendency towards complexity, experimentation, and a focus on the individual experience led to assumptions about a certain type of reader being most receptive to their work.