PRACTICE

ACTIVITY
NAME: Idania Marycielo Morales Evangelista Specialty/Cycle: Idioms: Inglés VI

After you have read this module do the following activities according to the information given or extra research maybe you have found in a web page or book by
using a critical and reflective thinking and upload them to the virtual classroom.

1.What is modernism according to the British literature? Explain in detail.

Modernism, as a literary movement, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to dramatic shifts in society, culture, and technology. In
British literature, modernism is characterized by a break with traditional forms of writing, experimentation with new literary techniques, and a focus on the
inner self and consciousness. Writers sought to capture the fragmented, often chaotic nature of modern life, influenced by rapid urbanization, the devastation of
World War I, and the disillusionment with established norms.

Key characteristics of British Modernism include:

1. Stream of consciousness: This narrative technique attempts to represent the flow of a character’s thoughts and feelings in a direct, often disjointed
way, reflecting the complexities of human consciousness. Authors like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce (though Irish, his influence on British
modernism is significant) are well-known for using this technique in works like Mrs. Dalloway and Ulysses.
2. Disillusionment and alienation: Modernist writers frequently depict characters who feel isolated, disconnected from society, or disillusioned with the
world around them. This reflects the post-war sense of disillusionment many experienced after the horrors of WWI. T.S. Eliot's *The Waste Land* is a
powerful example of this theme, portraying a world that has lost its meaning.
3. Fragmentation and non-linear narrative: Modernist works often abandon traditional narrative structures in favor of fragmented plots and non-linear
timelines. This reflects the uncertainty and instability of modern life, as seen in Woolf's To the Lighthouse, where the narrative shifts back and forth
through time.
4. Focus on subjectivity: Modernist literature emphasizes the subjective experience of reality. Rather than presenting a single, objective truth, it
explores multiple perspectives and interpretations. This is evident in the works of D.H. Lawrence, who delves into the psychological and emotional
lives of his characters.
5. Rejection of realism: While 19th-century literature often aimed to depict reality accurately and in detail, modernists rejected this approach in favor of
symbolism, abstraction, and allusion. T.S. Eliot’s poetry, with its dense references to other texts and mythologies, exemplifies this shift away from
realism.
6. Influence of Freud and psychoanalysis: The works of Sigmund Freud had a profound impact on modernist literature. His theories of the unconscious
mind, dreams, and repressed desires encouraged writers to explore the complexities of human psychology in their works.

In summary, modernism in British literature reflects a profound sense of change and experimentation. It responds to the challenges of modernity—urbanization,
industrialization, war—and seeks to depict the fragmented, uncertain nature of the human experience. Modernist writers broke with past traditions, crafting
new techniques and styles to explore deeper psychological, philosophical, and social questions.

2. What were the main characteristics of writers in the XX and XXI century?
The 20th and 21st centuries have been marked by a variety of literary movements and styles, reflecting the dynamic and rapidly changing nature of modern and
contemporary society. Below are the main characteristics of writers in these two centuries:

20th Century Writers

1. Experimentation with Form and Structure: The 20th century saw a break from traditional narrative structures. Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf
used techniques such as stream of consciousness, non-linear narratives, and fragmented plots. This experimentation was driven by the desire to more accurately
reflect the complexities of human thought and experience.
2. Psychological Depth: Many 20th-century authors delved into the inner workings of their characters' minds, influenced by the rise of psychology, especially
Freudian and Jungian theories. Characters became more complex, their motives often ambiguous or conflicted. This is evident in the works of authors like D.H.
Lawrence and Franz Kafka.
3.Disillusionment and Loss: Post-World War I and II literature is often marked by a sense of disillusionment, loss, and cynicism. Many authors questioned
traditional values, institutions, and authority. T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land and the novels of Ernest Hemingway, for example, express this disillusionment,
portraying a world that had lost its meaning.
4. Focus on Identity and Alienation: As the century progressed, writers increasingly explored themes of alienation, identity, and self-exploration. This was often a
response to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and political upheavals. Works like Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man and Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot delve
into these themes.
5. Political and Social Commentary: Many 20th-century writers used their work to comment on the political and social issues of their time, including war,
imperialism, civil rights, and class struggles. George Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm, as well as the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, are notable examples of this.
6. Diverse Literary Movements: The 20th century was rich in various literary movements, including modernism, postmodernism, existentialism, and surrealism.
Each of these movements had its own defining characteristics, often challenging established norms and experimenting with new forms of expression.

21st Century Writers

1. Globalization and Multiculturalism: In the 21st century, literature has increasingly reflected the globalized world. Writers from diverse cultural and ethnic
backgrounds have gained prominence, bringing unique perspectives on issues such as immigration, diaspora, and cross-cultural identities. Authors like
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Zadie Smith explore these themes in their works.
2. Technology and Digital Life: The rapid rise of the internet, social media, and digital culture has profoundly influenced contemporary literature. Writers often
address how technology shapes human relationships, identity, and society. Dave Eggers’ The Circle and William Gibson’s cyberpunk novels explore the impact of
technology on life and identity.
3. Environmental Concerns: With growing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation, many 21st-century writers have focused on ecological
themes. "Cli-fi" (climate fiction) has emerged as a genre, where authors explore the consequences of environmental disasters. Works like Margaret Atwood’s
Oryx and Crake highlight the interaction between humanity and the environment.
4.Blurring of Genres: Contemporary literature often blurs the boundaries between genres, mixing elements of fiction, memoir, and non-fiction. The line between
fantasy, reality, and science fiction is often blurred in works like Haruki Murakami’s novels, which blend surrealism with everyday life.
5.Diverse and Marginalized Voices: The 21st century has seen a surge in literature that highlights the experiences of marginalized groups, including women,
LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial minorities. Writers like Ocean Vuong and Roxane Gay bring new perspectives to topics such as gender, sexuality, and race.
6.Post-Postmodernism and Realism: While postmodernism dominated much of the late 20th century, many contemporary authors are returning to more direct,
emotionally engaged storytelling. This style is often referred to as "post-postmodernism" or "new sincerity," where irony is replaced with genuine exploration of
emotions and human connection. Writers like Jonathan Franzen and David Foster Wallace exemplify this shift.

7. Focus on Mental Health and Trauma: Mental health has become a prominent theme in contemporary literature, with writers exploring the complexities of
trauma, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Authors like Sally Rooney (Normal People) and Matt Haig (Reasons to Stay Alive) delve into how
mental health shapes identity and relationships.

In summary, the 20th and 21st centuries have produced a diverse array of literary movements and themes, with writers responding to social, political,
technological, and cultural shifts. While 20th-century literature was marked by disillusionment, experimentation, and political commentary, the 21st century
reflects a globalized, technology-driven world, with new voices emerging from various backgrounds and perspectives.

3. Make a graphic organizer about British literature in the XX century

4.Make a list of writers and their literature production and comment about some of them according to the XX and XXI centuries.
Here’s a list of writers from the 20th and 21st centuries, along with some of their significant works, followed by comments about their impact and style:

20th Century Writers:

1. Virginia Woolf
- Works: Mrs. Dalloway (1925), To the Lighthouse (1927), Orlando (1928)
- Comment: Woolf was a central figure in the modernist movement, using stream of consciousness to explore the psychological depths of her characters. Her
focus on time, memory, and gender issues challenged traditional narrative forms and made her one of the most influential female writers of the 20th century.

2. James Joyce
- Works: Ulysses (1922), A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916), Finnegans Wake (1939)
- Comment: Joyce’s Ulysses is a cornerstone of modernist literature, known for its experimental narrative techniques such as stream of consciousness, dense
allusions, and linguistic innovations. His ability to explore the inner workings of his characters’ minds revolutionized the novel form.

3. George Orwell
- Works: 1984 (1949), Animal Farm (1945), Homage to Catalonia (1938)
- Comment: Orwell’s dystopian novels, particularly 1984, have had lasting impact as critiques of totalitarianism, surveillance, and political manipulation. His use
of political allegory in Animal Farm also stands as a powerful critique of power and corruption.

4.T.S. Eliot
- Works: The Waste Land (1922), Four Quartets (1943), The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock (1915)
- Comment: Eliot’s The Waste Land captures the disillusionment of post-WWI Europe. His fragmented structure, dense symbolism, and allusions to various
literary and cultural traditions made him a leading voice of modernist poetry, influencing generations of poets.

5. Samuel Beckett
- Works: Waiting for Godot (1953), Endgame (1957), Krapp's Last Tape (1958)
- Comment: A pioneer of the Theatre of the Absurd, Beckett’s plays such as Waiting for Godot depict human existence as bleak and meaningless, often using
minimalist settings and dialogue. His works explore existential themes and the absurdity of human life.

21st Century Writers:

1. Zadie Smith
- Works: White Teeth (2000), On Beauty (2005), Swing Time (2016)
- Comment: Smith explores themes of identity, multiculturalism, and generational change. Her debut novel White Teeth was a landmark in 21st-century British
fiction, celebrated for its sharp wit and portrayal of post-colonial immigrant experiences in Britain.

2. Kazuo Ishiguro
- Works: Never Let Me Go (2005), The Remains of the Day (1989), Klara and the Sun (2021)
- Comment: Ishiguro’s novels often explore themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The Remains of the Day is a subtle reflection on regret and
missed opportunities, while Never Let Me Go presents a haunting dystopia with questions about humanity and morality.

3. Hilary Mantel
- Works: Wolf Hall (2009), Bring Up the Bodies (2012), The Mirror and the Light (2020)
- Comment: Mantel’s Wolf Hall Trilogy is a masterful retelling of Tudor England, particularly through the lens of Thomas Cromwell. Her detailed historical
narratives have won her multiple literary awards, including two Booker Prizes.

4. Ian McEwan
- Works: Atonement (2001), Saturday (2005), Amsterdam (1998)
- Comment: McEwan is known for his psychological depth and exploration of moral dilemmas. Atonement delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the
consequences of actions, making it one of the most important novels of the 21st century.

General Comment:
Writers from the 20th century like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce helped reshape the novel form through experimental techniques such as stream of
consciousness and non-linear narratives. Postmodernism in the late 20th century saw writers like George Orwell using literature for political commentary.
In the 21st century, authors such as Zadie Smith and Kazuo Ishiguro have expanded on these legacies, often dealing with themes of identity, morality, and the
impact of technological advancements on society, while still engaging with complex psychological and social issues.
This evolution in literary style reflects broader cultural and social changes from the disillusionment following world wars to the more global and multicultural
issues of the 21st century.

THANK YOU