Modernism In Works of T.S. Elliot And James Joyce

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Introduction: Modernism is a word that is generally used to understand "new and distinctive features in the subjects, forms, concepts and styles of literature and the other arts in the early decades of the present century, but especially after World War I." (Abrams 167) More often than not "Modernism" engages in "deliberate and radical break" (Abrams 167) with some of the more traditional foundation of art and culture. Peter Childs in his book Modernism remarks "Modernism has almost universally been considered a literature of not just change but crisis" (p. 14, Unit Reader p. 12). This essay will discuss and assess the value of this statement through the parts of the poem "The Waste Land" as well as "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" both of which were written by eminent poet T.S. Eliot and a short story from "Dubliners" named "Eveline" by James Joyece. Both the Poems and the short story in some way celebrate the practical and existent picture of life and culture and the changes with in them. This essay will firstly discuss the poem "The Waste Land" secondly it will discuss "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" thirdly the short story "Eveline" from the "Dubliners" and lastly it will discuss the how the discussions have helped to extend the understanding of the concept of Modernism. The Waste Land Section I: "The Burial of the Dead": This section of the "Waste Land" can be distinguished as a modified dramatic monolog. The four speakers in this part, who are very much frustrated by out side circumstances (a change and crisis) like war, are in dire need of speaking their hearts out but find themselves surrounded by dead people. The poem uses a partial rhyme scheme. The inclusion of language other than English make... ... middle of paper ... ...through made her transform in a different way. Everything for her changes even after her discission to stay in Dublin. Modernism is a very different form of literature than those which were written before the First World War. Through the poems by T.S. Eliot and the short story by James Joyce one thing was evident; the impact of war was the biggest motivation behind all three pieces of writing. Another thing that was apparent was the fact that people were more concern about their individuality at that time which became prominent in the writings as well. Modernism began in a time where the war had shattered both the exterior and the interior of European culture and people embarked on thinking differently and new forms of realisations were embarking. These new realisations and ideas were channelled through different forms of literature and art and formed Modernism.

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