"Trends and Movements"

"Trends and Movements" in English Literature:

Hello Everyone 🤠,

This blog is in response to thinking task activity assigned by Megha Ma'am.

In this blog I'm going to deal with trends and movements in English literature.

Introduction :-

English literature is like a big picture made up of many smaller pieces. It's a world where different styles and ways of writing come together to tell stories and share ideas. From the old-fashioned tales of centuries ago to the modern stories of today, English literature reflects what people cared about and how they saw the world at different times. In this blog, we'll take a journey through the different ways English literature has changed over time. We'll explore things like Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism to understand how writers have shared their thoughts and feelings through their work. Come along as we explore the twists and turns of English literature, where every change and new idea helps us understand the past and the present better.

Expressionism:

Expressionism is a fascinating art movement that focuses on expressing emotions and feelings rather than depicting reality as it is. It often involves distorted shapes, exaggerated colors, and intense brushwork to convey the artist's inner world. It's like diving deep into the artist's emotions and experiences through their artwork. 

Expressionism is a significant movement in literature and art that emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in Germany. It sought to express the inner turmoil, emotions, and subjective experiences of individuals in response to the rapid changes and anxieties of the modern world.

Characteristics of Expressionism:

Perspective:

Expressionist literature is like looking into someone's mind and heart, rather than just describing what's happening around them. Writers make things seem strange or exaggerated on purpose to show how intense the emotions and thoughts of the characters are. It's like seeing the world through their eyes and feeling what they feel inside.

Focus on feelings:

Expressionist works often revolved around feelings like fear, anxiety, alienation, and despair. The writers wanted to really make readers feel these intense emotions by exploring the deepest parts of human thoughts and feelings. It's all about hitting you right in the heart and mind with those emotions. 

Criticism of Society:

Expressionist writers often pointed out how modern society, with all its machines and city life, can make people feel less human. They showed how individuals can feel disconnected and lonely because of the pressures of society and all the new technology around them. It's like shining a light on how tough it can be to feel like yourself in a fast-paced, tech-driven world. 

Symbolism and Metaphor:

In Expressionist literature, symbols were super important. Symbolism played a crucial role in Expressionist literature, with writers using vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism to convey abstract ideas and themes. These symbols showed the inner battles and challenges that characters faced in the story. It's like painting a picture with words to show what's going on inside their minds and hearts.

Innovative Methods:

Expressionist writers experimented with literary techniques such as stream-of-consciousness narration, disjointed timelines, and fragmented structures to capture the chaotic and disorienting nature of modern existence.

Prominent Expressionist Writers:

- Franz Kafka,

- Georg Kaiser,

- Ernst Toller.

Legacy of Expressionism:

Expressionism had a profound influence on subsequent literary movements, including Surrealism, Absurdism, and Existentialism. Its emphasis on subjectivity, emotional intensity, and social critique continues to resonate in contemporary literature and artistic endeavors.

So we can say that , Expressionism in literature served as a powerful means of capturing the innermost thoughts and emotions of individuals amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the modern world. Through its bold experimentation and impassioned storytelling, Expressionist literature remains a testament to the enduring quest for meaning and authenticity in human experience. 

Now let's dive into the topic Surrealism....

Surrealism:

Surrealism is like diving into a dream world in art and literature! It's all about creating bizarre, dream-like scenes that make you think and feel in a whole new way. Surrealists mix reality with imagination to spark your creativity and emotions. It's a wild ride through the unexpected and fantastical.

Surrealism, an avant-garde movement that emerged in the early 20th century, sought to unlock the creative potential of the unconscious mind and challenge conventional notions of reality. With its dreamlike imagery, symbolic language, and emphasis on the irrational, Surrealism transformed literature into a realm of limitless possibilities and fantastical landscapes.

For more clear understanding check out this video:

Characteristics of Surrealism:

Exploring the Depths of the Unconscious:

  Surrealist writers went deep into the hidden parts of the mind, getting ideas from dreams, fantasies, and spontaneous thoughts. They wanted to skip logic and connect with the raw, unedited part of the subconscious. It's like taking a wild journey into the untamed thoughts and feelings that lie beneath the surface.

Breaking the Chains of Logic:

Surrealist stuff shook up the usual or traditional storytelling rules. They threw logic out the window, leaving readers feeling a bit lost and amazed. By twisting how stories are told, writers pushed the limits of what makes sense and welcomed everyone into a realm of awe and intrigue. It's like taking a crazy ride through a topsy-turvy world of surprises and wonder.

Embracing the Flow of the Unconscious:

  Surrealist writers were all about automatism! They let thoughts and words just pour out without holding back. By writing automatically and letting thoughts flow freely, they wanted to dive into the raw, unfiltered parts of the mind and unleash the creative power of the subconscious. It's like tapping into a hidden well of ideas and emotions without any filters. 

Symbolism and Metaphor:

  Surrealist literature employed rich symbolism and metaphor to evoke surreal imagery and evoke emotional responses from readers. Symbols often carried multiple layers of meaning, inviting interpretation and exploration of the subconscious themes and desires.

Liberation of Desire: 

  Surrealism celebrated the liberation of desire and the pursuit of pleasure, challenging societal norms and conventions that sought to repress individual expression and creativity. Writers embraced themes of eroticism, freedom, and rebellion against authority as manifestations of the unconscious desires of the human psyche.

Legacy of Surrealism:

  Surrealism exerted a profound influence on literature, art, and culture, inspiring generations of writers, artists, and thinkers to explore the hidden depths of the human psyche and challenge the constraints of reality. Its legacy continues to resonate in contemporary literature and artistic expression, serving as a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the boundless potential of the human mind.

So we can say that, Surrealism in literature remains a vibrant and transformative force, inviting readers to embark on a journey into the surreal landscapes of the unconscious mind. Through its bold experimentation and visionary storytelling, Surrealist literature continues to inspire wonder, curiosity, and introspection in audiences around the world.

Modernism:

Modernism, a transformative literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shattered traditional conventions and redefined the boundaries of creative expression. With its innovative approaches to form, style, and subject matter, Modernism revolutionized literature, challenging readers to confront the complexities of modern life and the shifting landscapes of human experience.

Modernism was an artistic and cultural movement that started in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was all about breaking from traditional ways of doing things and embracing new ideas and approaches. Modernist artists and thinkers believed in progress, innovation, and pushing boundaries. They wanted to challenge established norms and create something fresh and exciting. Some key characteristics of modernism include experimentation, abstraction, individualism, and a focus on the subjective experience. It was a really exciting time for art and culture.

Post Modernism:

Postmodernism is an artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. It challenged the principles and ideas of modernism and questioned the concept of a single, objective truth. Postmodernism embraced fragmentation, irony, and the blending of different styles and influences. It often rejected traditional boundaries and explored themes of self-reference and self-awareness. Postmodernism encouraged a more inclusive and diverse approach to art and culture. It was a fascinating and thought-provoking movement.

Characteristics of Postmodernism:

Postmodernism has a few key characteristics that set it apart. Here are some of them:

1. Fragmentation: Postmodernism often embraces fragmentation and rejects the idea of a single, unified narrative or truth. It celebrates the diversity and complexity of different perspectives and experiences.

2. Intertextuality: Postmodernism loves to play with references and intertextuality. It borrows and remixes elements from different sources, blurring the boundaries between high and low culture, and often incorporating humor and irony.

3. Pastiche: Postmodernism often combines different styles, genres, and cultural references to create something new. It's like a playful collage of influences and ideas.

4. Self-Reflexivity: Postmodernism is self-aware and often reflects on its own processes and conventions. It questions the authority of traditional structures and challenges the notion of a fixed meaning.

5. Distrust of Grand Narratives:

 Postmodernism is skeptical of overarching, grand narratives that claim to explain everything. It embraces multiple perspectives and celebrates the diversity of human experiences.

These are just a few characteristics, but postmodernism is a complex and diverse movement that encourages exploration and questioning. 

My Classroom Activities:

Absurd Meme:

Absurd Drawing:

Photography:

Surrealism: