Philosophy of the Modernists

The Modernist movement, although existent prior to World War I, gained fruition after the war. It is difficult to exactly determine what their purpose was, but it can be summarized. The Modernists believed that the world has gone nuts, that there is no order, but individuals are inherently normal, and thus suffer in a world that is odd, surreal, and nonsensical. This is true for such authors as Kafka, Joyce, Eliot, and others.

Modernism is a reaction against the ideals of the 19th century. What modernism wanted to do, as Pound said, was "make it new."

Modernism arose out of a strong belief in progress and both a respect and rebellion against older forms of art. Heavy use of allusion serves the former, while radical departures in style, narrative and form served the latter.

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Originally Posted by DanielBenoit

Modernism is a reaction against the ideals of the 19th century. What modernism wanted to do, as Pound said, was "make it new."

Modernism arose out of a strong belief in progress and both a respect and rebellion against older forms of art. Heavy use of allusion serves the former, while radical departures in style, narrative and form served the latter.

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Of course modern literature is a great departure from the past and particularity in literature it was a reaction against romanticism that was more about nature and less about man. Modern literature is more concentrated on man about man' suffering, war, politics etc.