Literary Movements and Historical Influences

The Modernist Period

The Modernist period emerged as an attempt to break away from traditional ways of thinking established in the past. This era helped people move beyond previous theories such as Romanticism. While Romanticism focused on nature, Modernism sought to base its arguments on the inner self and consciousness. Several factors influenced this period, including the Great War. Modernism aimed to expose the decay and materialistic mindset of society. Prior movements had often emphasized money and success, but this new movement sought to challenge those established values. The industrial society was viewed as capitalist and impersonal.

Psychology played a significant role in the Modernist period. The movement's proponents believed that institutions were harming them, leading them to embrace self-reliance and trust in their own minds to solve problems. Virginia Woolf (author of Mrs. Dalloway) and Ezra Pound were prominent figures in this movement.

Theatre of the Absurd

The Theatre of the Absurd originated in France during the 1950s. One of its most important works is Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot. This play exemplifies the characteristics of Absurdist theatre. In Waiting for Godot, the protagonist spends a significant amount of time waiting for someone he doesn't know but believes will arrive. The play concludes in a ridiculous manner, with no one appearing to meet the protagonist. This plot reflects the ideas of the Theatre of the Absurd, which highlighted the meaninglessness of life.

G.B. Shaw

G.B. Shaw played a crucial role in elevating the importance of popular theatre. His works aimed to stimulate thought and provoke reflection, making him a highly influential figure. Shaw was interested in exploring social and everyday issues, often incorporating irony and humor into his writing. In this sense, he shared similarities with Jane Austen, who employed a double plot in her novels (combining a strong argument with humor). Shaw typically wrote about familiar and common themes, but occasionally introduced heroes or villains into his narratives. His use of discussions about convictions further enhanced the significance of his dramas, marking a turning point in his career and solidifying his prominence.

Men's Domination Over Women

The plot of Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles illustrates the various ways in which men dominated women during the Victorian era. One example is Alec's abuse of Tess, a pivotal scene in the novel. Throughout the story, women are depicted as being deeply in love with men, while the men remain oblivious to their affections. This portrayal can be seen as a form of sexist bias on the part of the author. Another instance of male dominance is Angel's use of terms like "Daughter of Nature" to describe Tess, suggesting his refusal to accept her true image and his attempt to idealize her. Finally, at the end of the novel, Tess murders Alec, a radical act for female characters in novels of that time. This act generated significant controversy, highlighting the double standard that existed regarding violence committed by men versus women.

Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience

William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience was created to expose the social injustices of his time. His environment, including the suffering of those around him, provided him with ample inspiration. Living through a challenging period, including Britain's war with France, Blake expressed his disgust with society through his poetry. He grappled with philosophical and religious beliefs prevalent in his life. The poems depict the loss of innocence and the development of experience as one ages, emphasizing the transition from a naive perspective to a more mature understanding of the world.

WWI Poetry

World War I provided poets with an opportunity to depict the hardships of those years. The unprecedented nature of the war, with its brutality and technological advancements, left a profound impact on poets. They described feeling dehumanized by the harsh conditions of battle. The war poems offer firsthand accounts of their experiences at the front, capturing the sights, sounds, and emotions of the conflict. These poems serve as a testament to the difficult times endured during the war, providing a glimpse into the psychological toll it took on soldiers and the changing nature of warfare.