Chapter I. Background

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CONTENTS 
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………..………………2 
CHAPTER I. BACKGROUND 
1.1 Background of English Modernism:………………………………….…….4 
1.2 Specific Features of English Modernism. Stream of Consciousness
Narrative Technique:……………………………………………..…………….6 
1.3 Experimentation with Form:………………………………..……………..11 
1.4 The background on American modernism and its historical
backdrop:……………………………………………….……………………...16 
CHAPTER II. SPECIAL FEATURES 
2.1 Specific Features of American Modernism. Disillusionment and
Fragmented Narratives………………………………………………………..19 
2.2 The “Lost Generation”……………………………………………………21 
2.3 Individualism and Self-Expression……………………………………….25 
2.
4 
Comparison of Commonalities between English and American
Modernism
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……………………………………………...……………………28
CONCLUSION…………………………………………….………………..34
BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………….………………..35

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Introduction:
 
The period of modernism marks a significant shift in the realms of literature, art, 
and culture. Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, modernism evolved 
as a response to the rapidly changing social, cultural, and political landscapes of the 
time. It challenged long-established conventions and traditional modes of 
expression, embracing innovative techniques and perspectives that pushed the 
boundaries of artistic and literary creation. 
Modernism can be characterized as a multifaceted movement that encompassed 
various art forms, including literature, painting, sculpting, music, and architecture. 
It rejected the constraints of academic traditions, engaging with new, experimental 
modes of representation and exploring the possibilities of expressing subjective 
experiences, fragmented narratives, and the complexities of the modern world. 
In the context of literature, modernism introduced a radical departure from the 
linear, plot-driven narratives and straightforward storytelling techniques of the past. 
It sought to capture the chaos, rapid changes, and uncertainties of the modern era 
by embracing innovative narrative structures, unconventional forms, and a renewed 
focus on individual perspectives. 
The significance of modernism lies in its profound impact on the artistic and 
cultural landscape of the time and its lasting influence on subsequent artistic 
movements. By breaking away from traditional norms, modernist artists and writers 
challenged conventional notions of representation, offering new ways of perceiving 
and interpreting the world. 
Moreover, modernism was inextricably linked to the shifting sociopolitical and 
historical contexts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a response to the 
aftermath of global conflicts, the advent of industrialization, the rise of 
urbanization, and the questioning of established social, cultural, and gender norms. 
Modernist works often reflected the fragmented and disorienting experiences of 
individuals living in a changing, increasingly mechanized society. 
Through an analysis of English and American modernism, this coursework 
aims to highlight the distinctive narrative techniques, thematic explorations, and 
societal critiques that shaped these movements, ultimately revealing both the 
shared tendencies and divergent approaches found within these two significant 
strands of modernist expression.