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What relevance does modernist literature and poetry have in today's world?

Jorden McGavin

Modernist literature and poetry have a significant relevance in today's world. While the term modernism generally refers to artistic and cultural movements occurring in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the themes and ideas of this movement continue to inspire writers and readers alike. Modernist literature and poetry reject long-standing conventions by experimenting with structure, content, and form to challenge traditional modes of representation and belief systems.

In today's world, where more and more people are confronting global issues, modernist literature and poetry provide an effective way to express the impact of these issues and their complexities. Modernist authors often chose to deal with issues such as war, political upheaval, and the erosion of traditional values, themes that remain just as relevant today as they were decades ago. In particular, the Modernist movement expressed sentiments surrounding the instability and anxieties of living in an ever-changing world. As with the Modernist ethos, today's literature and poetry illuminating, and often condemning the problems and solutions that humanity faces globally.

Additionally, modernist literature and poetry are meaningful because they give a new and unique perspective on topics that are considered trite. The modernist approach is to use surrealist techniques such as disorienting literal narratives, automatic writing and exposing abstract ideas or philosophy in a way that is both whimsical and highly thought-provoking. This new perspective can enable readers, and writers too, to look at old topics from new angles, promoting critical thinking and intellectual exploration.

Modernist literature and poetry have also influenced other artistic fields beyond just writing, such as painting, architecture, and music. Today's world is full of innovative designs from the buildings we live and work in to the clothing we wear. These designs have their roots firmly embedded in modernism, with artists adapting and adopting the principles of the movement.

In conclusion, modernist literature and poetry continue to have great relevance in today's world. They serve as a vehicle to confront issues that society faces today, provide unique perspectives and ideas, shape our artistic culture, and help to shape creative solutions to these issues. The works of these modernist authors might offer us a new way to explore and understand the modern world around us.