Literary Modernism: Wells, Eliot, Lawrence, and Woolf

Liberalism: H.G. Wells

Herbert George Wells was born into a low-middle-class family facing economic problems, leading him to seek a grant for his studies. He earned a degree in zoology but chose to become a writer, authoring textbooks on biology and geography. Wells aimed to reform the social system, employing a simple and energetic style. His writing, characterized by social realism and inspired by personal experiences, often depicted social issues with a stark, impressionistic approach, creating an immediate impact on readers. His works explored science fiction, social problems, sexual freedom, and offered a sarcastic portrayal of English social life, critiquing institutions. Notable works include The Time Machine (science fiction) and Marriage (social novel).

Modernism: T.S. Eliot

Thomas Stearns Eliot, born in St. Louis, Missouri, attended Harvard and furthered his studies at the Sorbonne and Oxford. He became a British citizen at 39. Eliot's themes revolved around modern individuals devoid of religion, philosophy, and ideology, the collapse of civilization, decay, sterility, chaos, and a sense of loss. He employed a precise, new language with realistic descriptions. His works span drama (The Cocktail Party), criticism (The Sacred Wood, Poetry and Drama), and poetry (The Waste Land, Four Quartets).

Innovation in Novels: D.H. Lawrence

David Herbert Lawrence, born in Nottinghamshire to a coal miner father and a schoolteacher mother, faced illness and grew up in a restrictive environment. His outspoken views led to opposition, censorship, and misrepresentation of his work. He married Frieda Von Richtofen and died of tuberculosis at 45 in France. Lawrence's themes included individuality, sex, philosophy, opposition to Victorian taboos, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. His style was vivid, powerful, and intense, emphasizing the irrational over conscious rationalism and delving into characters' minds. Notable works include Love Poems (poetry), Etruscan Places (travel), and Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, Kangaroo (novels).

Virginia Woolf: Literary Pioneer

Virginia Woolf, lacking formal education, was profoundly affected by family deaths, mental breakdowns, and hallucinations. She was part of the Bloomsbury Group and married Leonard Woolf, an editor and publisher. Woolf's life coincided with significant social and cultural changes, including the decline of the British Empire, World War I, and the Russian Revolution. She departed from realist novel conventions, minimizing plot and incorporating flashbacks and lyrical language to convey a personal vision of the world. Key works include To the Lighthouse and The Waves.