Modernism in Literature: Definition, Characteristics and

Examples
It is the result of Industrial Revolution – and the rapid industrialization that followed it – Modernism is a
complex and diverse cultural, artistic and literary movement that emerged in late 19th century and reached
its peak during the early 20th century. It is influenced by world war I. It is characterized by a departure
from traditional forms and conventions and radical exploration of new artistic techniques styles and
themes. Modernism spanned various disciplines, including literature, visual arts, music, architecture, and
more.
What is Modernism in Literature
As for the modernism in literature definition, the same dictionary describes it as a conscious break from
the past and a search for new ways of expressing oneself. But its spirit is best reflected in a motto coined
by Ezra Pound: ‘Make it new.’

History
Started by the Industrial Revolution and fueled by urbanization, the movement originated in Europe, with
Virginia Woolf, Franz Kafka, and Robert Musil as early modernists. It was also heavily influenced by the
horrors of World War I: it shattered the preconceived notions about society for many modernists.
The movement first developed in American literature in the early 20th century modernism. Apart from the
Industrial Revolution, it was influenced by Prohibition and the Great Depression and fueled by a sense of
disillusionment and loss. William Faulkner, T.S. Eliot, and E. E. Cummings are among the prominent
American modernists.

5 Key Characteristics of Modernist Literature

The movement's main characteristics are individualism, experimentation, and absurdity. Its other
characteristics include symbolism and formalism.

 individualism;
 experimentation;
 absurdity;
 symbolism;
 formalism.

Below you'll find a short description of each characteristic, along with examples.
Individualism
Modernist literature focused on the inner thoughts and experiences of individual characters, often
highlighting their unique perspectives and struggles in a changing world. You can find compelling
examples of individualism in the works of Ernest Hemingway.
The fascination with subjective reality also led to the development of unreliable narrators in fiction. You
can find great examples of the Madman type of unreliable narrator in Franz Kafka's works.
Experimentation
Modernist writers challenged traditional narrative structures and forms, experimenting with techniques
like stream of consciousness and fragmented storytelling to capture the complexity of modern life.
Among authors, Virginia Woolf and James Joyce are the best examples of this characteristic in action. As
for poetry, T. S. Eliot's and Ezra Pound's bodies of work are a must-read.
Absurdity
The sense of absurdity in Modernist literature reflected the disillusionment and chaos of the post-World
War I era, where traditional values and meanings seemed to break down. They can also be described as
bizarre or nonsensical.
There's no better example of absurdity in literary modernism than Franz Kafka's works, especially The
Metamorphosis.
Symbolism
Symbolism was used to convey deeper meanings beyond the surface of the text, inviting readers to
interpret and engage with the work on multiple levels.
While symbolism in literature existed before the late 19th century, it quickly became one of the central
characteristics of modernism in literature.
As a characteristic, symbolism in the modernism literary movement is most prominent in the works of
James Joyce and T. S. Eliot.
Formalism
Formalism literature often emphasized the craftsmanship of writing, with attention to linguistic Modernist
and structural elements, showcasing the artistry of language itself.
Take the works of E. E. Cummings as an example here. Instead of conventionally putting the poetry on
the page, he spread out separate words and phrases on the page as if it were a canvas and his poem – the
paint.
Other examples of formalism include the use of invented or foreign words and phrases and
unconventional structure – or its absence.

4 Recurring Themes in Modernist Literature

As an act of rebellion against conventional norms of the craft, literature of the modernist period touched
on various themes that could best convey the author's opinion on the world around them.

Transformation
Modernism is practically inseparable from the theme of transformation.
Modernist works depict personal and societal change due to rapid developments, reflecting the dynamic
nature of the modern world.In this poem Modernist Poet & Work: T.S. Eliot - "The Love Song of J. Alfred
Prufrock", Eliot captures the speaker's internal transformation and self-doubt, reflecting the complexities
of modern urban life.
Mythological Tales
Unlike their predecessors, modernist artists and authors didn't just refer to the Greek-Latin and other
myths. Instead, they reimagined those tales in a new, modern world setting. Modernist writers use myth
and archetypes to symbolically explore contemporary issues, connecting timeless themes with present
concerns. Modernist Poet & Work: W.B. Yeats - "The Second Coming" Yeats uses mythological imagery
to depict a world in turmoil, reflecting the post-war chaos and uncertainty of the time.
Loss, Separation, and Destruction
The cruel experiences of war are the major reason this theme became prevalent in modern-period
literature. The aftermath of conflicts like World War I shapes narratives of personal and collective loss,
separation, and the breakdown of traditional values.
Modernist Poet & Work: Wilfred Owen - "Dulce et Decorum Est" Owen's poem vividly portrays the
horrors of war and the tragic loss of life, conveying the devastating impact of conflict on individuals.

Love and Sensuality

As one of the characteristics of modernism, individualism drove the theme of love and sensualism in the
literature of this period. Amidst societal upheavals, Modernist literature delves into intricate aspects of
romantic relationships, often addressing the conflict between human desires and societal norms.
Modernist Poet & Work: D.H. Lawrence - "Women in Love";Lawrence's novel explores the complex
relationships and desires of its characters, revealing the intertwining of love and sensuality amidst societal
shifts.

10 Notable Modernist Writers in the Literary Movement

Virginia Woolf
A pioneer in modernism in English literature, Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) and her body of work defined
the movement. Also pioneer of stream of consciousness writing, Woolf's novels such as "Mrs. Dalloway"
and "To the Lighthouse" explore the inner lives of characters.
James Joyce
An Irish poet and novelist, James Joyce (1882-1941) is best Known for his complex narratives and
innovative techniques, Joyce's works like "Ulysses" and "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man"
revolutionized Modernist literature.

Gertrude Stein
Often referred to as the mother of modernism, Gertrude Stein (1874-1946) is one of the most important
American modernist writers. Known for her experimental prose and contributions to the avant-garde
movement, Stein's "Tender Buttons" challenged traditional language usage
William Faulkner
Look no further if you're looking for modernism examples in literature that explore symbolism and
multiple perspectives. William Faulkner (1897-1962), an American novel and short story writer, a key
Modernist writer, utilized complex narratives and Southern settings, often Yoknapatawpha County, to
explore themes of race, class, and family. Employing stream of consciousness techniques, seen in "The
Sound and the Fury," Faulkner's innovative storytelling and deep insights into the human experience left a
lasting impact on literature, acknowledged by his Nobel Prize in 1949.
Ezra Pound
An expatriate American poet, Ezra Pound (1885-1972) is one of the most prominent figures of 20th-
century modernism. He was unrivaled in using free-verse poetry and allusions in his body of work A key
figure in Imagism and Modernist poetry, Pound's "The Cantos" and critical efforts shaped the movement's
evolution

Franz Kafka
An Austrian-Hungarian author, Franz Kafka (1883-1924) is one of the most prominent modernist writers
in the German-speaking world. Kafka explored the themes of transformation, existentialism, and
alienation in his works. An influential figure in existential literature, Kafka's works like "The
Metamorphosis" and "The Trial" delve into the absurdity of existence.
E. Cummings
E. E. Cummings (1894-1962) was one of the most productive American poets and authors of modern-
period literature. Over his lifetime, he crafted around 2,900 poems, four plays, and two autobiographical
novels over his lifetime.
E. E. Cummings, a Modernist icon, revolutionized poetry through unconventional syntax and typography.
With works like "i carry your heart with me," he celebrated individual expression and love themes,
embodying Modernism's spirit by defying traditional norms and reshaping poetic form.
H. Lawrence
Another prominent English novelist and poet, D. H. Lawrence (1885-1930), didn't earn himself a worthy
place in the modernism literary movement during his lifetime. Only after his death did his works earn him
the recognition he deserved.
His works dealt with themes of sexuality, industrialization and modernity. D. H. Lawrence, a notable
Modernist, explored human relationships and desires in works like "Women in Love" and "Lady
Chatterley's Lover," embodying the movement's focus on psychology and sensuality while challenging
societal norms.

Ernest Hemingway
An American novelist and short-story writer, Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) isn't just considered one of
the most influential creators of the modernist period but American literature as a whole. He is famous for
his unique style of prose.He wielded economical prose seen in "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A
Farewell to Arms," embodying the movement's focus on subtext and individual struggle amidst themes of
war and existentialism.
Katherine Mansfield
Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923) is one of the iconic feminist modernist writers who specialized in
crafting short stories. A New Zealand native, Mansfield reflected on anxiety, identity, existentialism, and
sexuality in her works.
He crafted short stories like "The Garden Party" with subtle prose, delving into psychological
complexities within everyday moments, aligning well with Modernism's focus on individual perspectives
and inner lives.