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THE AGE OF ANXIETY, These theories contributed to a reassessment of gender…
THE AGE OF ANXIETY
The theory of relativity
Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity challenged the objective nature of time and space, presenting them as subjective experiences.
This idea contributed to a sense of instability and uncertainty in the modern world. In response, the arts embraced experimentation.
Literature began to explore memory and language; visual arts abandoned perspective; and music transformed its use of tone, rhythm, and harmony.
A new concept of time
William James believed consciousness was a constant flow, where the past merged into the future.
Henri Bergson distinguished between historical time—external and measurable—and psychological time—internal and emotional.
He also suggested that thoughts and feelings could be measured by the number of memories and associations they carried.
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Freud's influence
Sigmund Freud's work, especially The Interpretation of Dreams (1900), introduced the idea that human behavior is strongly influenced by the unconscious. This was disturbing because it suggested that irrational forces guide actions without our awareness.
He also focused on the libido and the Oedipus complex, changing the perception of family dynamics. Freud emphasized the importance of early childhood and brought attention to infantile sexuality.
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A new picture of man
There was no longer a single accepted idea of what it meant to be human. Although Christianity still attracted some interest, its influence on public issues declined. Some intellectuals turned to alternative and esoteric beliefs.
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Nietzsche declared “God is dead,” replacing Christian morality with a belief in human power and perfectibility. This challenged the traditional Christian idea of salvation through divine grace.
These theories contributed to a reassessment of gender roles, helped by the movement for women's suffrage. Freud also introduced dream analysis and free association, techniques that deeply influenced modern literature.
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