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Contemporary Era Of Literature - Coggle Diagram
Contemporary Era Of Literature
SPEECH TYPES 🗣
Other types available in this era
Code-switching
When a speaker alternates between two or more languages or language varieties in the same conversation.
Reasons to CS
Emphasize a point
Express solidarity
Showcase their ability to code-switch
Feels natural in their environment
Example
'Hi, manahh. ' (Hi, I'm fine)
Ready for our English exam?
'Hi, Kim, nama berita d?' (Hi, how are you?)
"Au, let's do this!' (Yes, let's do this!)
Monologue
To express inner thoughts
Share a story
Example
"I remember the first time I saw her," he begins. His gaze lost in the distance.
"She had this aura, this light around her that I couldn't resist..."
Based on "Lamb To The Slaughter"
Narrative Speech
Common in novels, short stories
Tells a story from a character's perspective (Omniscient Narrator)
Example in this story
Told from a third person perspective
Clear view of the events
Mary Maloney (Protagonist) unassumingly wields the frozen leg of lamb.
Descriptive Speech
Creates a vivid picture in reader's mind.
Describes
Setting
Character
Event
Emotion
Example
Contrast the serenity of the warm room and softly lit lamps with the chilling acts that ensues.
Slang & Vernacular Speech
Involves using informal and often regional languages.
Helps establish character's background or personality
Example
The characters uses casual languages, so that it adds intriguing layer of realism
Unreliable narrator
Character that tells the story but could not be trusted
Example
Mary Maloney (through a 3rd POV) manipulated and shocking actions
adds a sense of unreliability to the narrative.
HISTORY
1945 - Current times
Broadening genres and an art boom. Contemporary literature is a transformation of past genres and styles. Everything made to describe the human experience in an introspective lens.
Other movements of the era
Many writers have since come out of their shells to showcase their perspectives of society and the new modern world.
Commentary on violence of WW2
Post modernism which criticizes authority and the grand narrative
Consists of TWO major movements:
Example of classic contemporary works
Roald Dahl's Lamb to The Slaughter
A story revolving the mysterious behavior of a woman and the death of her husband
Beat Generation, Black Mountain, Confessional poetry, New Formalism, Nouveau Roman and New Wave.
Created after World War 2
MANNERISM
DEFINITION
Characterized by
spiritual intensity 🙏
artificiality 🎭
complex and intellectual aestheticism 🧑🎨
experimentation in form 🥼
persistent psychological anxiety 🥶
Originated in
Italy, 16th century 🛐
Describe as an
art of high style and convoluted reference 🎨
Defined as
the “stylish style” for its emphasis on self-conscious artifice over realistic depiction 🧛
CHARACTERIZING MANNERISM
Nonlinear narrative structures
Employ unconventional narrative structures 🤖
Juxtaposition of contrasting elements
Discussion
the steps that should be taken in writing historical fiction 🧾
Elaborate and
ornate language
clever turns of phrase 🎒
Often features intricate 📚
Self-conscious artifice
Embrace self-awareness 😀
playfulness 😊
MANNERISM INFLUENCE
Juxtaposition ⚖️
contrast 🎛️
Artifice 👨🎨
Intellectual 🧠
Emphasis on
style 👔
self-expression 🤔
distortion 😶🌫️
philosophical themes 📖
experimentation 🧪
innovation 🧑💻
EXAMPLES
"The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov
blends elements of satire
fantasy
historical fiction
"Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell
six interconnected stories
different times periods and genre
"House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski
complex
unconventional structure
BACKGROUND
i. About Contemporary Era
:pen:
It is characterized by a diverse range of styles, themes, and voices, reflecting the complex and rapidly changing nature of the world during this time.
The Contemporary Era emerged as a response to and departure from the literary movements of the preceding decades, such as Modernism and the Harlem Renaissance.
Refers to the time period in literary history that spans from the mid-20th century to the present day.
ii. Background & Key Characteristics
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Post-World War II Influence
The Contemporary Era in literature emerged after the devastation of World War II
which had a profound impact on global politics, culture, and society.
The trauma and disillusionment caused by the war influenced writers to explore new perspectives and forms of expression.
Diversity and Pluralism
The Contemporary Era is marked by an increased emphasis on diversity and inclusivity.
Writers from various cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds gained prominence, contributing to a more diverse literary landscape.
This era witnessed the rise of voices previously marginalized in literature.
Blurring of Genres
One of the defining features of the Contemporary Era is the blurring of traditional literary genres.
Many writers experiment with mixing elements of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and other forms of artistic expression, challenging the boundaries of storytelling.
Metafiction and Self-Reflexivity:
Many contemporary writers engage in metafiction, a narrative technique that draws attention to the act of storytelling itself.
This self-reflexive approach often leads to narratives that question the nature of reality, authorship, and the reader's role in interpreting a text.
Globalization and Technology
Advances in technology and the increasing interconnectedness of the world have had a profound influence on literature.
Writers often explore themes related to globalization, digital culture, and the impact of technology on society.
Cultural and Political Critique
The Contemporary Era is characterized by a critical engagement with social and political issues, including identity, gender, race, sexuality, inequality, and environmental concerns
Literature from this period often serves as a platform for raising awareness and advocating for change.
Fragmentation and Ambiguity
Contemporary literature frequently embraces ambiguity and fragmentation, reflecting the complexity and uncertainty of the modern world.
Narratives may be nonlinear, and endings may be open to interpretation.
Intertextuality
Many contemporary writers engage in intertextuality, referencing and reimagining existing texts, historical events, and cultural symbols.
This creates layered narratives that invite readers to explore multiple layers of meaning.
Hybrid Identities and Diaspora
: The exploration of hybrid identities and the experiences of diaspora are prominent themes in contemporary literature
Writers often delve into the challenges and complexities faced by individuals navigating multiple cultural contexts.
iii. Works & Trends
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a/ Diverse Voices
This trend emphasizes the representation of various cultures, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds in literature, giving voice to marginalized or underrepresented groups.
Example: "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
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explores the perspective of a young Black woman navigating racial tensions and police violence, providing an authentic portrayal of her experiences.
b/ Identity Exploration
Authors in this trend delve deep into characters' personal journeys to understand their identities, including aspects of gender, sexuality, and individuality.
Example: "Giovanni's Room" by James Baldwin
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examines themes of sexual identity and self-discovery through the story of an American man living in Paris.
c/ Technological Wonders :
Contemporary literature often grapples with the impact of technology on society, relationships, and individual lives, exploring both the positive and negative aspects.
Example: "The Circle" by Dave Eggers
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delves into the consequences of a powerful tech company's all-encompassing surveillance and information-sharing practices.
d/ Social & Political Reflection
Many works address pressing social and political issues, offering insights and critiques of contemporary society.
Example: "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi :pen:
traces the legacy of slavery and its impact on generations of a Ghanaian family, reflecting on the lasting effects of historical injustice.
e/ Narrative Playground
Authors in this trend experiment with narrative structures, perspectives, and storytelling techniques to create innovative and engaging narratives.
Example: "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell
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weaves together multiple interconnected stories spanning different time periods and genres, challenging traditional narrative conventions.
f/ Global Perspectives
Contemporary literature often seeks to provide a broader understanding of the world by exploring various cultural, geographical, and societal contexts.
Example: "Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid
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uses magical realism to tell the story of a couple fleeing conflict and migration, highlighting the global refugee crisis.
g/ General Blending
This trend involves the blending of genres, styles, and themes, resulting in hybrid works that defy easy categorization.
Example: "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Díaz
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combines elements of magical realism, historical fiction, and pop culture references to tell the story of a Dominican-American family.
