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Who are some modern-day writers and poets who have been influenced by modernism?

Cathie McIlvenny

When we think of modernism in literature, names like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and T.S. Eliot immediately come to mind. However, their influence on contemporary writers and poets cannot be overstated. Modernism paved the way for experimentation with form, style, and language, and many writers today continue to draw inspiration from this movement.

One modern-day writer who has been heavily influenced by modernism is Zadie Smith. Her novel, "White Teeth," is a prime example of how she has taken the principles of modernism and made them her own. In the novel, Smith uses a non-linear narrative structure and multiple points of view to explore themes of identity, race, and culture. Her prose is also highly experimental, featuring a mix of dialogue, stream-of-consciousness, and lyrical passages.

Another writer who has been influenced by modernism is Jonathan Franzen. His novel, "The Corrections," explores the disintegration of a family and the challenges of modern life in a postmodern world. Like many modernist writers, Franzen uses fragmentation and multiple points of view to tell his story. His prose is also highly introspective, as he delves into the psychology of his characters in a way that is reminiscent of Virginia Woolf.

In the world of poetry, the influence of modernism can be seen in the work of Claudia Rankine. Her collection, "Citizen: An American Lyric," explores themes of race, identity, and belonging in contemporary America. Like modernist poets such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound, Rankine uses collage and fragmentation to create a sense of disorientation and disjointedness. Her poetry is also highly political, using stark imagery to challenge the reader's assumptions about race and power.

Another poet who has been influenced by modernism is Jorie Graham. Her work explores themes of mortality, language, and memory in a way that is both experimental and deeply personal. Like many modernist poets, Graham is interested in exploring the limits of language and the ways in which poetry can communicate what cannot be expressed in words alone. Her poetry also frequently incorporates scientific concepts and imagery, reflecting the influence of modernist writers who were interested in the intersection of science and literature.

In conclusion, modernism continues to exert a powerful influence on contemporary writers and poets. By breaking with tradition and embracing experimentation, modernist writers paved the way for a new wave of literature that continues to challenge our assumptions about form, style, and language. Whether through the use of fragmentation, multiple points of view, or experimental prose and poetry, writers and poets today continue to draw inspiration from modernism in their quest to convey the complexities of the human experience.