Modernist literature
A common compliant against Modernist literature is that it is "cold," inscrutable, unapproachable. While I have to agree that often times Modernist literature is much harsher than that of earlier eras, I think it is an important aspect of the time. Generally arts and literature do reflect the public feelings and situations of the respective time period, or of that which preceded it. So the coldness, although it may seem unapproachable in today's society, was perfectly appropriate for the early and mid 1900s. It was a cold and unapproachable time. It was the beginning of World War I, for one thing. The effects of this massive war and destruction took its toll on the morale of the people as well as the artists. Times were tense, everyone was on edge, no one knew who to trust. By the time the war began winding down, not only were the nations of the world at odds with each other, uncertain of who was really an ally and who would turn into the enemy, but each country's own citizens were at odds with their respective governments. Although alliances appeared to be made between opposing world powers, fellow countrymen disputed about the relevance of the war and what exactly true patriotism ent
The clash in transitional attitudes is cold, inscrutable, and unapproachable, from both sides. So it is only appropriate that the literature of the era symbolizes these feelings. The spiritual effects of war and destruction set countries, soldiers and fellow citizens as well, unapproachably at odds. Seeing as the authors of Modernist literature experienced or witnessed this turmoil to different extents, it should be uncontested that their work portray the depression and fear set forth by such loss. If a reader can look at this not as a flaw, but as more of a protective coat against the hardship and turmoil that writers of the time were vulnerable to, if he can get through that top layer of ice, he may uncover the significance of it, and delve into a much deeper work than that which the surface ice blurs. And this attitude carried through to other aspects of life. As Bernard Shaw, world renowned author, represents in Major Barbara, families were also divided on the war, proper etiquette, and changing society standards. The whole family disagreed with the source of the Undershaft prosperity being weaponry production, however unbeknownst to children and hypocritically of the mother, went on to take pleasure in the material and future security it provided. Older generations portrayed by Lady Britomart, found younger generations to be unrefined and disagreeable. While those same younger generations, characterized in her three children, found their elders to be coldly refined, unapproachable and insensitive. The young were excitedly adapting to new ideas and setting the tone for the era, whereas elders struggled to maintain the customs and standards which it saw no flaws in. Although Lady Britomart wanted her son to take on the responsibilities of the man of the household, she wanted him to do it with her ideals, rather than the more modern values of his generation. He can say what he wants as long as he wants what she thinks is appr
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Approximate Word count = 1318
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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