Postmodernism and the past.

[David S]

A question came up at Uni today: Why are Postmodern writers so preoccupied with the past?

I'm curious as to what your views are on this. My view is that postmodernist writers do this to dismantle the conventionalized representation of history!

What say you?

Thanks

[David S]

Are you folks out there honestly telling me that none of you have any thoughts on this?

Wow, I am amazed.

[YesNo]

A question came up at Uni today: Why are Postmodern writers so preoccupied with the past?

I'm curious as to what your views are on this. My view is that postmodernist writers do this to dismantle the conventionalized representation of history!

What say you?

Thanks

What does it mean to "dismantle the conventionalized representation of history"?

What writers in particular are preoccupied with the past?

I don't know much about postmodernism, but would like to find out more.

[JBI]

Depends what you mean by postmodern, and where you are talking about. In general it is a move to a reflection on the irony of dark history (not pleasant histories), and its preoccupation is to try to make sense of identity within a world that pushes communal identity into a question of debate.

[Dodo25]

What does it mean to "dismantle the conventionalized representation of history"?

Excellent question. The less we understand it, the more likely it is that it's true. Because postmodernists probably don't understand their reasons either. They just write stuff that appears 'complex' and 'profound'.