Concepts of Modernism

Modernism: * Chaotic society due to the first world war * First called ‘avant-garde’, artists (such as musical writers, artists, poets, etc.) saw themselves as alienated from the establishment and aimed to shock and challenge existing social conventions by being chaotic, obscure and abtract. * Modernism is a movement that breaks away from classical and traditional forms. Creating different perspectives by breaking boundaries. It’s constantly changing and breaks away from the Victorian era and pushes aside previous norms. * The goal was to accomplish something that has never been done and attempt to change worldviews. Radical expression was the concern of the era.
Modernism Era * Change * Breaking conventions moving away from romanticism * Impact of urbanisation and industrialisation crowded city – destruction of nature/natural environment * Homogenisation – the urban sprawl * Lack of religion and the lack of faith – post world war * Questioning the order and structure of society * Disillusionment in WW1 * Instability & a sense of chaos * People like Eliot and artists though that life were futile – fallout/impact from the first world war * Poems prior to first world war – tensions and anticipation of WW1 * A time of questioning – people are being more open * Women being educated, having a role in society, jobs, independence * WWI caused many to lose their faith in humanity * Collapse of morality and values – loss of faith * Sense of pessimism * Distorted and fragmented identity – confusion * The damaged psyche – paralysis * Obscurity and deliberately clever * Psychological well-being based on security * Illusions and myths – he is aware of ideas * Alienation of modern man – being educated and self conscious can’t communicate effectively * With knowledge comes power and