Modernism

Modernism

A literary movement that developed after World War I, characterized by a break with traditional styles and an exploration of new themes and forms.

Alienation / Isolation

One of the pillars of Modernism, it refers to feelings of loneliness, disconnection, or misunderstanding experienced by individuals.

Dehumanization / Mechanization

A characteristic of Modernism where modern society and technology make people feel less human.

Inability to Communicate Effectively

A pillar of Modernism highlighting the struggle people face in expressing emotions or connecting with others.

Narrative Experimentation / Breaking Traditions

A Modernist technique involving fragmented thoughts, symbolism, and unusual structures in writing.

Imagery

Language that appeals to the senses, often used to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind.

Simile

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using 'like' or 'as'.

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things that does not use 'like' or 'as'.

Speaker

The narrator or voice of a poem, which is not always the same as the author.

Catalog

A long list of details or descriptions used in literary works.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about future events that will occur in a narrative.

Situational Irony

A literary device where the opposite of what is expected occurs.

Flashback

A narrative technique that involves returning to an earlier time to provide context or background.

Epigraph

A quotation placed at the beginning of a text that suggests themes or sets the tone.

Allusion

An indirect reference to another work, event, or figure from history, literature, or culture.

Existentialism

A philosophical belief that life may not have inherent meaning and that individuals must create their own meaning.

Richard Cory

A poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson illustrating themes of appearance vs reality and hidden suffering.

Chicago

A poem by Carl Sandburg that expresses pride in the city while realistically acknowledging its flaws.

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

A poem by T. S. Eliot showcasing themes of insecurity, fear, loneliness, and overthinking.

The Great Gatsby

A novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that critiques the American Dream and explores themes of illusion, loneliness, and moral decay.

The Old Man and the Sea

A novel by Ernest Hemingway focusing on themes of perseverance, dignity, and the struggle against loss.

Dream Deferred

A poem by Langston Hughes questioning the consequences of postponed dreams and illustrating themes of frustration.

I, Too

A poem by Langston Hughes emphasizing equality, hope, and dignity within the context of racial identity.

Theme for English B

A poem by Langston Hughes exploring identity, race, and shared humanity through personal reflection.