Introduction: Post Modernity
Mary Klages has neatly differentiated among three terms: modernity, modernism, and postmodernism to define post modernity. Regarding modernity, she suggests that it encompasses all the “ideas which influenced the artistic movement” (Klages 28) of modernism. She further asserts that modernity aims to create “order” out of “disorder,” which she identifies as centered around “rationality” and the rationalization of ideas associated with modernism. Klages derives this concept of “order” from two other concepts: Francois Lyotard’s “totality” and Derrida’s “totality,” aiming to bring modern society to stability and completeness through “grand narratives.” These grand narratives, she argues, serve to reinforce the “belief system and ideology,” which are fundamental in establishing stability and order within a society. According to her, this period began around 1750, marked by the emergence of modernity-driven ideas such as the free market, the establishment of new American democracy, concepts like the superman and freedom of expression, evolutionary theories, and advancements in medical science, psychoanalysis, and anti-war sentiments.
Modernism and Post Modernity
Modernity, as a conceptual framework, encapsulates the pursuit of “order,” “stability,” and “totality” within societal structures. Modernism, then, manifests as the artistic and literary movement that emerges in response to the ideological underpinnings elucidated by modernity. From a literary perspective, modernism manifests through distinct attributes, including impressionism or impressionistic techniques, subjective explorations akin to the Romantic tradition, utilization of first-person narrative employing techniques like “stream of consciousness” as exemplified in James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” employment of third-person narrations as seen in the works of Ernest Hemingway, and the utilization of fragmented structures to construct cohesive poetic compositions, as evidenced in T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land.” Moreover, modernist literature favors spontaneity and creativity over rigid formalism, thereby reflecting a departure from conventional literary norms.
The thematic undercurrent within modernist works often evokes a profound sense of melancholy or disillusionment with the prevailing state of affairs. Such sentiments serve as the artistic expressions of the tumultuous transitions and existential uncertainties brought forth by the overarching ideologies of modernity. Indeed, the emergence of modernism marks a pivotal epoch wherein novel literary forms and genres are crafted to reconcile the apparent chaos inherent in the modern condition with the human impulse towards order and coherence.
While delineating precise temporal boundaries for the modernist period proves challenging due to its fluid and multifaceted nature, scholars approximate its inception around 1910, with its zenith extending from the 1930s to the 1970s. This timeframe encapsulates the vibrant and dynamic landscape wherein modernist literature flourished, exemplifying the artistic response to the socio-cultural upheavals and existential inquiries characteristic of the modern era.
Postmodernism and Post Modernity
In delineating the transition from modernity to postmodernity, the shift from embracing “grand narratives” to the valorization of “mini-narratives” marks a fundamental departure in both philosophical and educational paradigms. Postmodernism, as a cultural and intellectual movement, signifies a rejection of overarching meta-narratives that seek to impose universal truths or ideologies, instead advocating for the recognition and validation of diverse, localized perspectives and experiences. This shift from the global to the local reverberates across various domains, including education, where functional knowledge takes precedence over the traditional dichotomy of “good” or “bad” knowledge. Functional knowledge, characterized by its emphasis on practical skills and utilitarian application, underscores the importance of experiential learning and adaptive training methodologies.
At the forefront of educational transformation in the postmodern era is the pervasive influence of digitalization, epitomized by the widespread integration of computers for the dissemination, acquisition, and storage of knowledge. The advent of digital technologies not only revolutionizes the educational landscape but also underscores the centrality of information access and technological literacy in navigating contemporary socio-cultural realities.
Furthermore, postmodernism accentuates the significance of fragmentation as a counterpoint to the grand narratives of modernity. This emphasis on fragmentation, coupled with the rejection of overarching narratives, engenders a fertile ground for the proliferation of fundamentalism, wherein localized ideologies or belief systems assert themselves in opposition to perceived global homogenization.
Within the realm of literary discourse, the postmodern ethos fosters a dynamic interplay between globalization and regionalism. The ascendancy of literary “mini-narratives” serves as a conduit for the globalization of regional voices, facilitating the dissemination and recognition of diverse cultural perspectives on a global scale. Consequently, regional writers find newfound resonance and popularity beyond their immediate geographical confines, contributing to a rich tapestry of global literary expression characterized by its plurality and heterogeneity.
Works Cited
- Klages, Mary. Literary Theory: The Complete Guide. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2017.
Relevant Questions about Post Modernity
- How has postmodernity reshaped our understanding of truth and knowledge in various fields such as literature, art, and philosophy?
- In what ways has postmodernity challenged traditional structures of power and authority, particularly in political, social, and cultural contexts?
- Can we identify any emerging trends or movements within postmodernity that offer potential paths forward in navigating its complexities and contradictions?
