Post-Modernism

Postmodernism emerged as a critical response to the perceived limitations and assumptions of Modernism, challenging the notion of a singular, stable reality and embracing a fragmented, pluralistic worldview. In literature, Postmodernism represents a departure from the linear narratives and unified perspectives characteristic of Modernist writing, instead favoring an eclectic blend of styles, genres, and voices. Postmodernist literature often exhibits a self-reflexive awareness of its artificiality, playfully deconstructing traditional narrative structures and blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality.

Authors such as Thomas Pynchon, Italo Calvino, and Salman Rushdie are renowned for their exploration of metafiction, intertextuality, and pastiche, which serve to interrogate the nature of authorship, representation, and meaning. Postmodernist literature reflects the fragmented, hyper-mediated nature of contemporary society, inviting readers to actively participate in the construction of meaning and to question the veracity of established truths. Through its embrace of ambiguity, irony, and intertextual play, Postmodernist literature offers a rich and multifaceted reflection of the complexities of the postmodern condition.

Important Dates:

Europe: 1945-present
North American: 1960-present
Latin American: 1945-present

Characteristics of Post-Modernism Include:

The individual does not seek a unified sense of self but instead is made up of many parts and experiences at any given time.
Humans are fragmented pieces of themselves, culture, and experiences. Humans live in various states of reality. There is no unifying aspect to society including religion, societal progress, or scientific progress.
Nature is a part of the post-modern times but is not a huge influence.
Art is a collection of many parts and pieces and unlike modern times, it is not seen as unifying.
Writers rely on fragmented and unreliable narrators. Writers often rely on culture and contemporary life in writing and incorporate social critique.

"Untitled" by Emporia State student, Samantha Myrick

Mama always told me to never get into the yellow jar without asking. She always put it on the counter that is the highest. I could always see it though. It glowed like the sun and I wanted to touch the light. I made a plan while mom was in the laundry room. She always took a long time switching the whites over because she got stuck in the washer. Her tiny body had trouble bending over the big machine and it looked like it ate her. I normally watched to make sure she didn’t get eaten by the washing machine monster but I wanted to grab the sunshine. The chair I sat in for snack time was by the wall. Using all my strength I push my fire truck chair to the counter.

I’m still not tall enough but I had a backup plan just in case. I jump down from my chair and run to my room. The old lady is sleeping on what I needed to complete my plan to get to the sunshine. Gently putting her on my bed and petting her just like mom showed me how. She meowed at me but laid back down. I grab the prize which is the box dad gave me to reach the shelf with all my books on it. Taking it downstairs I put it on my snack chair and climb up both of them. It was enough to reach the counter and my prize of the sunshine jar. The chair and box began to wobble and I felt myself falling. In panic, I grabbed the first thing which was the sunshine jar. There was a crash and I heard mom call out my name. Looking beside me is what made me start to cry. The sunshine jar lay in pieces scattered all across the floor, empty of the cookies I had wanted.

Post-Modernism

Recommended Reading

Science Fiction:

Fantasy:

Graphic Novel/Comic:

Young Adult Literature:

Recommended Media:

"Untitled" by Emporia State student, Samantha Myrick