Preliminary Links and Descriptions

1. www.pbs.org/wnet/americannovel/timeline/modernism.html

2. www.online-literature.com/periods/modernism.php

3. www.puritans.net/curriculum/Literature%20of%20the%20Modern%20Era.pdf

Quote, paraphrase, and citation #5

"Although generally called a movement, it is more valid to see modernism as an international body of literature characterized by a new self-consciousness about modernity and by radical formal experimentation. Several literary movements and styles, notably Imagism and Vorticism, were fostered within modernism, which flourished from around 1890 until 1940. There was also a period of so-called high modernism, 1920-5."

Modernism is looked at in many different ways even as a "movement." Originally, it is just a form of literature. That's what it should always be viewed as.

Timeline and citation

This timeline shows the progression From 1914 to 1980. In 1914 WWI was a big issue, and by 1980 a new constitution was put in place.

Quote, paraphrase, and citation #4

Modern Literature is "...a literary and artistic movement that provided a radical breaks with traditional modes of Western art, thought, religion, social conventions, and morality. Major themes of this period include the attack on notions of hierarchy; experimentation in new forms of narrative, such as stream of consciousness; doubt about the existence of knowable, objective reality; attention to alternative viewpoints and modes of thinking; and self-referentiality as a means of drawing attention to the relationships between artist and audience, and form and content."

Modern Literature was sometimes based on Western arts. Important events affected the type of writing they were producing.

Quote, paraphrase, and citation #3

"Experimentation with genre and form was yet another defining characteristic of Modernist literature. Perhaps the most representative example of this experimental mode is T. S. Eliot’s long poem The Waste Land. Literary critics often single out The Waste Land as the definitive sample of Modernist literature. In it, one is confronted by biblical-sounding verse forms, quasi-conversational interludes, dense and frequent references which frustrate even the most well-read readers, and sections that resemble prose more than poetry. At the same time, Eliot fully displays all the conventions which one expects in Modernist literature. There is the occupation with self and inwardness, the loss of traditional structures to buttress the ego against shocking realities, and a fluid nature to truth and knowledge."

In my own words, I'd say there are different ways one can use Modern Literature. Some are more understandable than others.

Photo, caption, and citation #3

To everyone, this is just a few books. These books in the picture above are some famous Modern Literature pieces. Some of us have probably even read them!

Quote, paraphrase, and citation #2

"The history of literature in the Modern period in Europe begins with the Age of Enlightenment and the conclusion of the Baroque period in the 18th century, succeeding the Renaissance and Early Modern periods. In the classical literary cultures outside of Europe, the Modern period begins later, in Ottoman Turkey with the Tanzimat reforms (1820s), in Qajar Persia under Nasser al-Din Shah (1830s), in India with the end of the Mughal era and the establishment of the British Raj (1850s), in Japan with the Meiji restoration (1860s), in China with the New Culture Movement (1910s)."
In my own words, I would say the paragraph above tells us that Modern Literature came for different countries at different times. Looking closely for us, it would have began in the 18th century.

Photo, caption, and citation #2

This picture is of Shakespeare, whom we all know. His writings are known all around the world, he is recognized for his great pieces. Shakespeare is one of the most famous modern literature writers there is.

Quote, paraphrase, and citation #1

"In the world of art, generally speaking, Modernism was the beginning of the distinction between high art and low art. In Modernist literature, it was the poets who took fullest advantage of the new spirit of the times, and stretched the possibilities of their craft to lengths not previously imagined."
To me, this is saying that the authors then were very talented and could turn their stories into great pieces. They were creative.

Wordle #1

Photo, caption, and citation #1

In this picture, there is an elderly man with tons of books on his desk. Many of these are probably modern literature.
The url for this pictue is http://www.english.stir.ac.uk/research/profile/index.php

What I Already Know About My Topic

I've heard about Modern Literature over the years, but I never really looked deep into its background. As I progressed from sixth grade to being a sophomore, I was able to gather up a couple pieces of information. Most of my knowledge comes from our own English teachers here at school, but truthfully, it didn't ever stick to me. I began to plunder through different research sites, and found some very intriguing pieces. I believe I have a basic knowledge and understanding of the concept now. As far as getting the answers and complete details, I may need more help.

What I Want To Know About My Topic

There is so much knowledge that is invisible to everyone on such a broad subject. In this ridiculous project I don't want to focus on the "Modern Literature" but the ones that made Modern Literature so successful. There are so many intriguing stories out there and they all have their own genre, but it seems as if no one takes the time to give them the full credit that they deserve. The main thing I want to be informed of is what made up the modern literature years, what built it. I would also want to know how there lives might have came into their novels, who was the "known-all-around" author during this time, did the stories that were written affect the readers, what was that one thing that one may have found in every book they picked up, and if the World War was a big part in the making. After knowing that, I believe I'd feel refreshed.

Animoto based on search questions

Make your own slideshow with music at Animoto.

The Story Behind My Topic Choice- Modern Literature

Growing up, English has always been my favorite subject. I was always volunteering and I waited all day for that one class to come. For some reason, it has always been interesting to me. Over the years I've sat there and thought to myself "What else is there to this type of literature." My train of thought happens to drift off and I wander off. My biggest question is "How is modern literature any different than the literature they used in the past?" I scrutinize over a few options and think "perhaps the use of English is different." Since I took English classes during the day at school, I was able to hears little bit about it. As I dug further into the Era of Modern Literature, I became fascinated. Now, I'm determined to rummage through different sorts of literature and seek out the comparisions.