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Postmodernism Fact Sheet

Postmodernism in literature and the arts emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century as a reaction against Modernism, characterized by skepticism, irony, and a blurring of fiction and reality. Key features include metafiction, intertextuality, and non-linear narratives, with notable authors like Thomas Pynchon and Margaret Atwood. While criticized for perceived lack of coherence, postmodernism is praised for promoting diversity and challenging traditional norms.

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5 views1 page

Postmodernism Fact Sheet

Postmodernism in literature and the arts emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century as a reaction against Modernism, characterized by skepticism, irony, and a blurring of fiction and reality. Key features include metafiction, intertextuality, and non-linear narratives, with notable authors like Thomas Pynchon and Margaret Atwood. While criticized for perceived lack of coherence, postmodernism is praised for promoting diversity and challenging traditional norms.

Uploaded by

irishxuerca
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Postmodernism Fact Sheet

Compiled by: Ana De Guzman


Topic: Postmodernism in Literature and the Arts

Overview  Blurring of Fiction and Reality:


 Origin: Mid-to-late 20th century, Mixing real-life and imaginary
post-WWII. elements.
 Nature: Reaction against
Modernism. Major Postmodern Authors & Works
 Core Traits:  1. Thomas Pynchon – Gravity’s
- Skepticism & irony Rainbow
- Rejection of grand narratives  2. Don DeLillo – White Noise
- Emphasis on subjectivity and  3. Margaret Atwood – The
multiplicity Handmaid’s Tale
 4. Kurt Vonnegut – Slaughterhouse-
Philosophical Influences Five
 Influenced by:  5. Salman Rushdie – Midnight’s
- World War II trauma Children
- Rise of mass media
- Globalization and cultural mixing Criticism & Debate
 Viewed as:
Key Features in Literature - Lacking meaning or coherence
 Metafiction & Self-Reflexivity: Stories - Superficial and fragmented
aware of their fictionality.  Also praised for:
 Intertextuality: References to other - Encouraging freedom, diversity,
texts. and multiple perspectives
 Pastiche: Blend of styles or genres. - Critiquing authority and tradition
 Temporal Distortion: Non-linear
storytelling. Conclusion
 Fragmentation: Disjointed or broken  Postmodernism is not one thing—it’s
narrative structure. many things.
 Irony & Playfulness: Use of humor,  It challenges norms, embraces
sarcasm, and satire. complexity, and continues to shape
literature and culture today.
Literary Techniques
 Magic Realism: Fantastical elements
in realistic settings.
 Non-linear Narratives: Events not
told in chronological order.
 Stream of Consciousness: Inner
thoughts presented as they occur.
 Unreliable Narrators: Questionable
or misleading storytellers.

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