Contemporary English Literature

Contemporary English literature refers to the body of literary works written in

English from the late 20th century; precisely since 1945 till the present day. The

Contemporary Period of literature occurred directly after the Modernist period. In fact, it is

often referred to as the "Postmodern" period. The events that brought this era about were the

realization of the holocaust ( the systematic genocide of six million jews by Nazi Germany

and its collaborators during the second world war between 1941-1945 and other ethnic groups

and disabled individuals), and the power of the atomic bomb, the wars America had with

Korea, Vietnam, and the USSR, and the Civil Rights Movement. It encompasses a wide

range of genres, styles, and themes, reflecting the diverse cultural, social, and political

landscape of the modern world. It also refers to postmodernism and what has come afterward.

Postmodernism is a deepening and extension of the previous literary movement,

Modernism, represented by such writers as Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway. Both

modernists and postmodernists criticized romantic era’s notions of finding divinity in nature,

seeking ideal virtues within the individual, and characterizing reality in all-embracing

narratives that lead to belief in just one interpretation of the world.

Post-modernism lasted through the 1990s when a new sensibility in literature began to

emerge, gradually replacing post-modernism with something else that has been called various

names, such as post-postmodernism or posthumanism. Recently, many critics have settled

on metamodernism to label this current period of contemporary literature. Metamodernism is

a turning away from the excesses of post-modernist thought, especially its reliance on self-

referential irony, absurdity, and cynicism.

 Major Themes in The Post-war Era

Authors coming of age just before World War II and after attempted a contemporary

books' meaning of the war's troubling impacts on humanity's traditional understandings of

itself and its place in the moral universe. How could so-called civil societies allow a Fascist

descent into the Holocaust or kill over half a million innocent civilians in indiscriminate

bombing raids? How could a moral people unleash the deadliest military weapon ever created,

the nuclear bomb, resulting in the deaths of non-combatants? These horrific events gave birth

to the post-modernist era as artists struggled with basic realities concerning human nature, the

knowability of reality, and absurdist notions of any all-encompassing accounting of the facts.

Does human life have meaning at all? Much contemporary era literature answers no,

concluding that life is random and disordered.

Though contemporary literary works are not defined by anything specific, are a mistrust

of and mocking apathy for objective reality, historical truth, and technology in the postmodern

period and a desperate search for hope, meaning, empathy, unity, and enthusiasm in the

metamodern period. Contemporary English literature explores a diverse range of themes that

reflect the complexities of the modern world. Some common themes include:

1. Identity and belonging: Authors often explore issues of race, ethnicity, gender,
sexuality, and cultural identity, reflecting the multicultural societies of
today.Contemporary literary works examine the fluidity and multiplicity of identities in
a globalized world.
2. Social justice and inequality: Literature addresses social, political, and economic
issues, such as class disparities, discrimination, human rights, and environmental
concerns.
3. Globalization and interconnectedness: Contemporary literature often delves into the
impact of globalization, migration, and the interconnectedness of cultures and societies.
 4. Postcolonialism and decolonization: Contemporary literature engages with the legacy
of colonialism and the process of decolonization. It examines power dynamics, cultural
hybridity, and the reclamation of marginalized voices and histories.
5. Technology and its influence: Many contemporary works examine the effects of
technology on individuals, relationships, and society, exploring themes of virtual
reality, social media, and artificial intelligence.

1. Styles and Techniques

Contemporary English literature embraces a range of styles and techniques, reflecting the
diversity of voices and perspectives. Some notable features include:

1. Experimentation with form and narrative structure: Authors often employ non-
linear storytelling, fragmented narratives, multiple perspectives, and unconventional
narrative techniques.

2.Mixing of genres: Contemporary authors often blend different genres, such as

magical realism, historical fiction, crime fiction, and speculative fiction, creating
hybrid forms that defy traditional categorization.

3. Emphasis on language and wordplay: Many contemporary writers pay close

attention to language, employing wordplay, linguistic experimentation, and inventive
use of metaphor and symbolism.Authors may blend multiple languages or dialects,
creating a fusion of linguistic influences

4. Metafiction and intertextuality: Literature often blurs the boundaries between

fiction and reality, playing with self-reflexivity and referencing other texts. Authors
may incorporate elements of popular culture, historical events, or literary works within
their narratives. (check the provided definitions)

5.Stream-of-consciousness: Authors use interior monologues and the stream-of-

consciousness technique to capture the subjective experiences and thoughts of
characters, providing insight into their psychology and emotions.
4. Influences and Intersections
Contemporary English literature is influenced by a variety of factors, including:

1. Postcolonial and multicultural perspectives: The legacy of colonialism and the

subsequent questioning of power structures and cultural dominance have had a
significant impact on contemporary English literature, with authors exploring
postcolonial identities and challenging Western-centric narratives.

2. Cultural and Global Influences:Contemporary English literature is influenced

bya range of cultural and global factors. Postcolonial and multicultural perspectives
have shaped the literature, with authors exploring themes of identity, hybridity, and the
legacy of colonialism. Globalization has also had a significant impact, with authors
drawing on diverse cultural traditions, engaging with global issues, and reflecting the
interconnectedness of the modern world.

3. Media and popular culture: Literature often intersects with other forms of media,
such as film, music, and visual arts, reflecting the influence of popular culture and
blurring the boundaries between different art forms.

5. Notable Authors and Works

There are numerous notable authors and works within contemporary English literature. Some
examples include:

- Zadie Smith: White Teeth,On Beauty

- Ian McEwan: Atonement, Saturday

- Kazuo Ishiguro: Never Let Me Go, The Remains of the Day

- Salman Rushdie: Midnight's Children

- Jeanette Winterson: Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, Written on the Body

- John Hershey: Author of Hiroshima, The Wall, A Single Pebble, The War
Lover, and Fling and Other Stories

-Sylvia Plath: Author of "Mirror," Christian Science Monitor, The Colossus and Other
Poems, and The Bell Jar
 - James Baldwin: Author of "The Rockpile," and Go Tell It on the Mountain

- Toni Morrison: Author of The Bluest Eye, Sula, The Song of Solomon,
Beloved and Jazz

- Arthur Miller: Author of All My Sons, Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, and The
Last Yankee

-Alice Walker: Author of TheColor Purple

-Raymond Carver: Author of "Everything Stuck to Him," and "Will You Be Quiet,
Please?"

-Harper Lee: Author of To Kill A Mockingbird

These authors and their works represent a small fraction of the vast and diverse landscape of
contemporary English literature.

Conclusion

Contemporary English literature is a vibrant and evolving field that reflects the
complexities and diversity of the modern world. It explores a wide range of themes, employs
various styles and techniques, and is influenced by global literary traditions and cultural
intersections. By engaging with contemporary English literature, readers gain insights into the
pressing issues and concerns of today, while also enjoying the creativity and innovation of
contemporary writers.
 Postmodernism and Contemporary Literature

Postmodernism had a significant influence on contemporary English literature. It emerged as

a response to the modernist movement and has had a profound impact on literary styles,
themes, and narrative techniques. The postmodernist approach challenges traditional notions
of truth, authority, and narrative coherence, reflecting the complexities and uncertainties of
the contemporary world. Contemporary literature and postmodernism are closely related, as
postmodernism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 20th century and is
characterized by the use of metafiction, unreliable narration, self-reflexivity, intertextuality,
and fragmentation.

Major Characteristics of Postmodern Literature

1. Fragmentation and Nonlinear Narratives:

Postmodernism in literature often employs fragmented narratives and nonlinear storytelling
techniques. Authors disrupt traditional linear structures, creating a sense of disorientation and
challenging readers to actively engage with the text. This fragmentation reflects the
fragmented nature of contemporary experience and the breakdown of grand narratives.

2. Metafiction and Self-Reflexivity:

Postmodern literature frequently incorporates metafiction and self-reflexivity. Metafiction
refers to the inclusion of self-conscious references to the nature of fiction, blurring the
boundaries between reality and fiction. Authors may directly address the reader, comment on
the act of writing, or play with narrative conventions, inviting readers to question the
construction of reality and the role of the author.

3. Intertextuality and Intercultural References:

Postmodern literature often engages in intertextuality, referring to and incorporating elements
from other texts, cultural artifacts, or historical events. Authors draw on a wide range of
sources and intercultural references, creating a web of meanings and connections. This
intertextuality reflects the globalized and interconnected nature of contemporary culture.
4. Deconstruction of Language:
Postmodernism challenges traditional notions of language and meaning. Authors experiment
with language, employing wordplay, linguistic innovations, and deconstructive techniques.
They question the stability of language and its ability to accurately represent reality,
highlighting the inherent ambiguity and multiple interpretations of words and symbols.

5. Irony and Satire:

Postmodern literature often employs irony and satire to critique societal norms, institutions,
and power structures. Authors use humor and irony to expose contradictions and challenge
established hierarchies. Satire is employed as a tool to highlight the absurdities and flaws of
contemporary society, often with a critical and subversive intent.

6. Meta-narratives and Grand Narratives:

Postmodernism rejects the idea of grand narratives or overarching truths. Instead, it embraces
multiple perspectives and challenges the notion of a single authoritative narrative. Authors
explore diverse viewpoints and question dominant ideologies, deconstructing and subverting
traditional narratives of history, identity, and culture.

Note: In contemporary English literature, the influence of postmodernism is evident in the

works of authors such as Salman Rushdie, Jeanette Winterson, David Mitchell, and Ali Smith.
Their works often incorporate postmodern techniques, challenge traditional narrative
structures, and engage with themes of identity, globalization, and the power of
language.However, it is important to note that not all contemporary English literature can be
classified as strictly postmodern. Contemporary literature encompasses a wide range of styles,
themes, and influences, and while postmodernism has had a significant impact, it is just one
of many factors shaping the diverse landscape of contemporary English literature.

The Difference between Modernism and Postmodernism in Literature

Modernism, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a response to the
rapid changes brought about by industrialisation, urbanisation, and the aftermath of World
War I. Modernist literature is characterized by experimentation with form, fragmented
narratives, and a focus on individual consciousness and subjective experiences. It sought to
break away from traditional literary conventions and explore new ways of representing
reality. Notable modernist authors include Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and T.S. Eliot.
On the other hand, postmodernism emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the
perceived limitations and elitism of modernism. Postmodernist literature is characterized by a
skepticism towards grand narratives, a blurring of boundaries between high and low culture,
and a self-conscious playfulness with language and form. It often incorporates elements of
parody, intertextuality, and metafiction. Postmodernist authors challenge the notion of a fixed,
objective reality and instead embrace the idea of multiple perspectives and the constructed
nature of truth. One of the most notable postmodernist writersisThomas Pynchon.

While modernism sought to explore the inner workings of the individual mind and grapple
with the complexities of the modern world, postmodernism questioned the very notion of a
singular truth or reality. Modernist literature often focused on the individual's struggle for
meaning and identity, while postmodernist literature embraced the fragmented, chaotic nature
of contemporary society.

In summary, modernism and postmodernism represent two distinct literary movements with
different approaches to form, narrative, and the representation of reality. Modernism sought to
break away from traditional conventions and explore new ways of representing the individual
experience, while postmodernism challenged the idea of a fixed reality and embraced the
fragmented, diverse nature of contemporary society.

Here are some major English and American postmodern writers:

-English Writers:

1. Martin Amis: Known for his novel Money, Amis employs postmodern techniques
such as metafiction and fragmented narratives to explore themes of consumerism,
identity, and the media.

2. Angela Carter: Carter's works, including Nights at the Circus and The Bloody
Chamber, incorporate elements of magical realism and subvert traditional fairy tales,
challenging gender roles and societal norms.
 3. Jeanette Winterson: As mentioned earlier, Winterson's novels like Oranges Are
Not the Only Fruit blend postmodern techniques with explorations of gender,
sexuality, and the fluidity of identity.

-American Writers:

1. Thomas Pynchon: Pynchon is an influential American postmodern writer known

for works like Gravity's Rainbow and The Crying of Lot 49, which employ complex
narratives, intertextuality, and paranoia.

2. Don DeLillo: DeLillo's novels, such as White Noise and Underworld, examine
themes of media, consumerism, and the impact of technology on society, often using
fragmented narratives and combining realism with postmodern techniques.

3. Toni Morrison: Morrison's novel Beloved combines postmodern elements with

magical realism, exploring the legacy of slavery and its impact on the African
American community.

These writers have made significant contributions to the postmodern literary movement,
challenging traditional narrative forms, and engaging with themes of identity, gender, society,
and the nature of reality.