Modern and Postmodern Literature Concepts

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions derived from lecture notes on modern and postmodern literature.

John Stuart Mill

Author of 'On Liberty' and 'What Is Poetry?', emphasizing the emotional and imaginative impact of poetry.

Victorian Realism

A literary movement characterized by the representation of everyday life and society in literature.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or military force.

Naturalism

A literary movement that suggests that all things, including human behaviors, are governed by natural laws.

Harlem Renaissance

A cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American cultural, artistic, and intellectual achievements.

Double Consciousness

A term introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois to describe an internal conflict experienced by subordinated or colonized groups in an oppressive society.

Modernism

A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break with traditional forms of writing.

Imagism

A poetic movement that favored precision of imagery and clear, sharp language.

Postcolonial Literature

Literature that addresses the effects and legacy of colonialism, often portraying the struggles for identity and freedom.

Feminist Literature

Literary works that explore women's experiences, gender roles, and advocate for women's rights.

Confessional Poetry

A style of poetry that uses personal experience and emotion as a subject matter.

Cultural Criticism

A critical approach that examines literature in the light of societal contexts and cultural issues.

Southern Gothic

A literary subgenre of Gothic fiction set in the American South that deals with social issues and cultural decay.

Victorian Domestic Ideology

An ideology that idealizes the home and women's roles within it during the Victorian era.

African American Uplift Movement

A social and political movement aimed at elevating the status of African Americans through education and self-help.

Postmodernism

A broad movement in literature and the arts that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by questioning of traditional narrative structures and styles.

Magical Realism

A literary genre in which magical elements are a natural part of an otherwise mundane, realistic environment.

Social Criticism

A form of criticism aimed at understanding and improving societal structures, often addressing issues of inequality and injustice.

Class Struggle

The conflict between different classes in society, particularly between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie.

Violence of Colonial Legacy

The lasting impact of colonial rule that often includes social, economic, and political violence in former colonies.