20th Century Literature: From Symbolism to Realism
Before the War: Poetry
Symbolism and its Aftermath
At the dawn of the 20th century, Symbolism held a prominent place in poetry. However, the devastating impact of World War I (1914-1918) and the Russian Revolution (1917) ushered in a new era in literature.
In this tumultuous social and economic climate, the literary avant-garde movements emerged, including Cubism, Surrealism, and Dadaism. These movements sought to challenge and transform society through art.
Post-Symbolism
William B. Yeats (Irish)
A towering figure in 20th-century poetry and drama, Yeats received the Nobel Prize for Literature. His work often draws upon Irish folklore, mythology, and symbolism related to occultism.
Rainer Maria Rilke (Czech)
Rilke’s poetry delves into profound human questions surrounding life, death, love, and art. His symbolism reflects a melancholic worldview, characterized by philosophical depth and lyrical beauty.
New Directions in Narration
Innovative Techniques
- Simplified Plots: Plots became less intricate, sometimes bordering on non-existent.
- Incorporation of Non-Narrative Elements: Newspaper articles, advertisements, and other non-narrative materials were integrated into storytelling (e.g., Ehun Metro by Ramon Saizarbitoria).
- Decline of the Omniscient Narrator: The all-knowing narrator became less common.
- Stream of Consciousness: Narrators or characters engaged in internal monologues, often illogical and fragmented, creating a challenging reading experience.
Key Authors
William Faulkner (North American)
Faulkner is renowned for his complex characters and his masterful use of setting. Notable works include Absalom, Absalom! and The Sound and the Fury.
Virginia Woolf (English)
A member of the influential Bloomsbury Group, Woolf’s innovative writing style contributed significantly to modernist literature. Her works include To the Lighthouse and Orlando.
Marcel Proust (French)
Proust’s monumental novel, In Search of Lost Time (seven volumes), explores the intricacies of memory, famously triggered by a madeleine cake.
Ernest Hemingway (North American)
Hemingway’s concise and dialogue-driven style, considered unconventional at the time, became highly influential. His major works include The Sun Also Rises, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Old Man and the Sea, and Men Without Women.
The Rise of Realism
Defining Characteristics
- Accuracy and Objectivity: Faithful representation of reality.
- Emphasis on Observation: Prioritizing observation over imagination.
- Social Commentary: A desire to expose social injustices and inspire change.
- Credibility and Authenticity: Creating believable characters and situations.
- Focus on Ordinary People: Shifting attention to everyday individuals and their experiences.
- The Novel’s Prominence: The novel became the dominant literary genre.
- Language and Style:
- Clear and accessible language, with varying registers to reflect different characters.
- Chronological narrative structure.
- Omniscient narrators, often offering their own perspectives and moral judgments.
Realism in France
Stendhal and Balzac paved the way for French Realism, which reached its pinnacle with Flaubert. Zola’s work further developed into Naturalism, an extreme form of Realism.
Naturalism
Naturalism aimed for an even more objective and scientific depiction of reality. Key figures include Gustave Flaubert (Madame Bovary), Emilia Pardo Bazán, and Vicente Blasco Ibáñez (Cañas y Barro).
Realism in Great Britain
Charles Dickens
Dickens’s novels, often referred to as Victorian novels, captured the social and economic realities of the Victorian Era. Industrialization led to harsh working conditions and the rise of a powerful bourgeoisie resistant to social change.
Dickens’s writing exposed the poverty, suffering, and desperation of the marginalized. His detailed descriptions of characters, settings, and situations evoked empathy and a call for reform.
Characteristics of Dickens’s Novels:
- Social Critique: Highlighting social injustices and advocating for change.
- Focus on the Underprivileged: Depicting the lives of the poor, the needy, and the outcast.
- Realism and Detail: Vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the characters’ world.
- Rich Language: Employing a variety of language registers to create diverse and memorable characters.
Notable works include Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and David Copperfield.
Mark Twain
Twain’s novels offer a vibrant portrayal of American society, particularly life along the Mississippi River, which became a symbol of American identity. His famous works include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.