1

The Modern Period

1900s-1940s

Changing Attitudes in England

England had been greatest power on world
Believed they were most evolved society ever Thought they could solve all their social problems within the system

At turn of century, social problems still there

Poverty, crime, etc. People felt promises of past generations unfulfilled

Changing Attitudes in England

At turn of 20th century, empire beginning to falter
No longer expanding First colonial uprisings

Economy hitting recession People losing faith in country and society

4

Historical Events of Period

Period begins w/ death of Queen Victoria
Had reigned during most prosperous times Death seen as symbol that times were changing

Ends w/ WWII
Breakup of British Empire

World War I (1914-18) occurs in middle

Changes attitudes for the worse

Characteristics of Modern Society

Nostalgia --- Fragmentation --- Alienation

Nostalgia
Only present before World War I People thought best of times were past
England had been perfect Life was simpler, easier for past generations

Didnt understand why things had changed Wanted to get good times back
7

Fragmentation
Society becomes more divided
Each person in his her own bubble

 Divided from rest of the world according to class, race, gender, occupation

No one really interacts with anyone else No unifying identity everyone can share
People used to be defined by nation or religion Not much faith left in either

Alienation
Effects on Fragmentation on individuals People feel detached from mainstream society Feel that their culture doesnt represent them anymore Feel that they have no ability to affect the world around them

World War I
1914-1918

10

Began w/ Wave of Nationalism

Each side believed that this would prove their superiority Would put their country back on top

11

Became a Total Disaster

Modern technology + Trench Warfare = No progress Millions killed on both sides Most people not sure what war accomplished

12

Aftermath
Society still fragmented, alienated Nostalgia replaced w/ cynicism People think Eng. was never perfect Nationalism only benefitted upper classes, led to war

13 14

Modernist Literature
Modernist Literature
More outsider authors being published and read
Women Immigrants Lower classes

Present more critical view of England than Victorians

15

Modernist Literature
Writers emphasize the internal workings of the mind
Stream of consciousness becomes popular Authors want to show how each person views reality differently Show how our prejudices can affect our perceptions

16

Modernist Literature
Authors try to use literature to bridge alienation, fragmentation
Show world from multiple perspectives Allow reader to see all at once Make literature the thing that unifies people

17

Ideas we get from the Modernists

1. Class, gender, and occupation differences can fundamentally alter peoples perspectives 2. Not everyone within a nation has the same sense of that nations values and identity 3. Literature can (and should) help us see the world from other peoples perspectives 4. A writers job is to explore the ideas and values of every part of his/her society

18

Study Questions
1. When and with what events did the Modern Period begin and end? 2. Name and define the three qualities of modern society. 3. How was WWI turn into a disaster, and how did this affect social attitudes in England? 4. How did Modernist authors try to use literature to address the problems of their age?