Postmodern literary theory: definition
Postmodernism, like many movements in literary theory, is an unorganised collection of ideas,
principles, aesthetic values, and practices. Scholars still struggle to define postmodernism, primarily
because postmodernism is undefinable by the very nature of its philosophy. Some argue that
postmodernism refers to the ongoing social and cultural currents that carry specific characteristics
starting in the 1960s, the period that followed modernism.
Postmodernism: In literary criticism and theory, postmodernism is an analytical tool that focuses on
the sociopolitical underpinnings and motivations of literature concerning the individual. Much of the
postmodern literary theory is made up of or inspired by the philosophical or critical discourse
proposed by theorists that were not originally intended for literary criticism.
To understand postmodernism, we need to understand what it opposes: modernism.
Modernism was a movement in arts and literature that sought to depart from traditions and
conventions and reform the arts to fit modern values. As the name suggests, modernism was all
about newness and innovation.
The modernist sentiment is captured well by its motto, 'make it new' (suggested by the American
poet Ezra Pound). The modernist era coincided with the age of industrialisation, capitalism, war, and
colonialism. The writers of this era actively tried to make sense of the rapidly changing society
through their writing. As a result, different narrative styles and philosophical
standpoints emerged. For example, modernist fiction is known for its individualism, experimentation,
and stream-of-consciousness style of narration.
James Joyce's Ulysses (1920) and Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway (1925) are among the most popular
novels of the modernist era.
Postmodernism is a critique of modernity and modernist values. The postmodern era began in the
1960s when French thinkers like Jacques Derrida, Jean-François Lyotard, Jean Baudrillard, and Michel
Foucault rose to prominence. The term 'postmodern' came into popular use with the publication
of The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge (1984) by the French philosopher Jean-
François Lyotard.
Postmodernism is a compound word made up by adding 'post' to the word
modernism. The prefix 'post' is a contested space. There is an ongoing debate in academic circles as
to what the term signifies. It could be typological (a way to classify ideas) or temporal (one referring
to time). Postmodern literary theory: practices
An interesting aspect of postmodernism is its interconnectedness with different theories of culture.
For example, postmodernism is influenced by the material approach to society and culture followed
by Marxists. Many postmodern theorists began their careers from a Marxist perspective or by
commenting on Marxist theories. Some postmodern ideas offer a sharp commentary on the
evolution of the capitalist society to its present stage.
Let's have a look at some of the key figures of postmodernism and their ideas.
Michel Foucault and discourse
The French philosopher and critic Michel Foucault's ideas on knowledge and power have been
influential in postmodern literary criticism. Foucault is most famous for the concept of discourse.
Though Foucault is often given post-structuralist and postmodernist labels, he rejected them. His
work on knowledge and power continues to shape many academic fields, including literary theory.
His works include Madness and Civilization (1961), The Order of Things (1966), and Discipline and
Punish (1975). Jacques Derrida and deconstruction
The theory of deconstruction by Jacques Derrida is widely used in postmodern literary
criticism. Some see deconstruction as a radical critique of Saussurean linguistics. It not only
questions the foundations of structuralism but also takes the argument further by introducing the
idea of différance. Derrida coined the term 'différance' to mean both 'difference and deferral of
meaning'.
Characteristics of postmodern literary theory
Rejection of the presupposed ideas and norms relating to art and knowledge.
Criticism of totalising narratives (grand or master narratives) and questioning the concept of
a common objective reality or universal truths.
Rejection of philosophical foundationalism that talks about the possibility of a solid basis on
which we can build our knowledge systems.
Breakdown of the boundaries between high-art and low-art by combining features of the
two in works of art and literature.
Rejection of the belief that words and concepts carry inherent meanings that represent a
pre-existing reality.
Postmodernity is portrayed as a crisis of individuality brought forth by late capitalism and
high modernity.
Use of intertextuality, pastiche and parody as narrative techniques.
Fragmentary and convoluted and non-linear narratives in postmodern texts signal the
disjoint postmodern subjectivity.
Experimental use of metafiction and playfulness in narration to emphasise that life has no
inherent meaning that we are capable of knowing.
Intertextuality refers to the influence and mentions of another text found in a text.
Parody is the imitation of something for comic effect.
Pastiche: parody without the comic effect; a style of art or literature that tries to recreate an existing
one.
Postmodern literary theory: examples
After the second world war, the philosophical preoccupations of postmodernism came to dominate
works of literature that coincided with a sense of disillusionment with the promises of modernity.
Postmodernist literature highlights the chaos and crises of identity in an uncertain world. It
recognises the complex and constructive nature of reality and perception and knowledge.
Postmodern writers employ a variety of techniques like fragmentation, deconstruction, playfulness,
and questionable narrators to emphasise this view.
