Literary Features of the Early Modern Age (1890-1914) – Simplified & Detailed
Introduction
The Early Modern Age (1890-1914) marks a transition from the Victorian era to Modernist literature. It was shaped by scientific discoveries, industrialization, changing social structures, and psychological theories. Writers of this period rejected idealism and instead focused on realism, individual psychology, and social criticism.
This period includes:
1. The Edwardian Period (1901-1910) → Continued Victorian realism but emphasized social issues and class struggles.
2. The Georgian Period (1910-1914) → Early signs of modernist literature, war poetry, and symbolism before World War I.
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1. Key Features of Early Modern Age Literature
1.1. Shift from Victorian Morality to Modernism
Victorian literature emphasized strict morals, optimism, and clear distinctions between right and wrong.
Early modern writers challenged these ideals, portraying a more complex, uncertain, and sometimes pessimistic world.
Literature became darker and more realistic, focusing on themes of fate, human psychology, and social struggles.
Example: Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles shows a tragic heroine doomed by fate and society’s hypocrisy, rather than a moralistic Victorian story.
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1.2. Psychological & Social Realism
Writers explored human psychology, influenced by Sigmund Freud’s theories of the subconscious, repression, and dreams.
Characters became more complex, showing internal conflicts, doubts, and emotional struggles.
Social realism became important, addressing issues of class, gender, and oppression.
Example: Henry James’ The Golden Bowl delves into psychological depth, portraying complex relationships through internal monologues and detailed character thoughts.
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1.3. Influence of Science & Philosophy
Several scientific and philosophical ideas shaped literature:
1. Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution → Challenged religious beliefs, leading to themes of existential crisis and naturalism.
Example: Hardy’s novels portray life as dictated by fate, not divine justice.
2. Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis → Introduced ideas of the subconscious mind, repression, and dream analysis.
Example: Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness explores hidden desires and the darkness within human nature.
3. Karl Marx’s Socialist Theories → Inspired literature critiquing capitalism and class oppression.
Example: George Bernard Shaw’s plays, such as Man and Superman, criticize capitalist values and gender roles.
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1.4. Experimentation in Literary Forms
Traditional storytelling changed → Writers used multiple perspectives, non-linear narratives, and unreliable narrators.
The stream-of-consciousness technique (inner thoughts of characters without structured narration) began emerging.
Symbolism replaced realism in some cases, especially in poetry.
Example: Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness uses a frame narrative, shifting perspectives, and psychological symbolism.
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1.5. Growth of the Novel, Drama & Poetry
Novels became introspective and focused on psychological depth.
Drama moved away from melodrama and focused on social criticism.
Poetry moved toward symbolism and nationalism, especially in Irish literature.
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2. Major Writers & Their Contributions
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3. Summary of the Early Modern Age
1. Victorian values declined, making way for realism, social critique, and modernist themes.
2. Psychological and social realism became dominant, focusing on individual consciousness and class struggles.
3. Scientific and philosophical changes (Darwin, Freud, Marx) influenced literature, leading to existential and socialist themes.
4. New narrative styles (stream of consciousness, multiple perspectives) emerged.
5. Notable writers include Hardy, Conrad, James, Shaw, Yeats
Literary Features of the Early Modern Age (1890-1914)IntroductionThe Early Modern Age marks the transition from the Victorian era to Modernist literature, influenced by scientific advancements, industrialization, evolving societal structures, and psychological theories. Writers during this period focused on realism, individual psychology, and social criticism, moving away from the idealism of earlier literature.
The Edwardian Period (1901-1910): Continued Victorian realism, addressing social issues and class struggles.
The Georgian Period (1910-1914): Showed early signs of modernist literature, war poetry, and symbolism preceding World War I.
Key Features
Shift from Victorian Morality to Modernism
Challenged strict moral codes, portraying a more complex and often pessimistic worldview.
Example: Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles narrates a tragic tale influenced by fate and societal hypocrisy.
Psychological & Social Realism
Influenced by Freudian theories, exploring internal conflicts and social issues of class and gender.
Example: Henry James’ The Golden Bowl uses internal monologues to depict complex relationships.
Influence of Science & Philosophy
Experimentation in Literary Forms
Traditional narratives were altered with non-linear storytelling and unreliable narrators; stream-of-consciousness emerged.
Example: Heart of Darkness employs a frame narrative and psychological symbolism.
Growth of Novel, Drama & Poetry
SummaryVictorian values declined, ushering in realism, social critique, and modernist themes, heavily influenced by scientific and philosophical changes. Innovative narrative styles emerged, with notable contributions from writers like Hardy, Conrad, James, Shaw, Yeats, and Synge.
Flashcards on Literary Features of the Early Modern Age (1890-1914)
Early Modern AgeThe period marking the transition from Victorian literature to Modernist literature, influenced by scientific discoveries and social changes.
Edwardian PeriodLasting from 1901-1910, it features continued Victorian realism with an emphasis on social issues and class struggles.
Georgian PeriodSpanning from 1910-1914, it introduced early modernist literature with elements like war poetry and symbolism.
Shift from Victorian Morality to ModernismLiterature transitioned from strict morals to themes that explore complexities, uncertainties, and social struggles.
Psychological & Social RealismAuthors examined human psychology and social issues, influenced by Freudian theories of the subconscious.
Influence of Science & PhilosophyKey thinkers like Darwin and Freud impacted literature, emphasizing existential themes and critiques of capitalism.
Experimentation in Literary FormsWriters employed diverse perspectives, non-linear narratives, and unreliable narrators to reshape storytelling.
Growth of the Novel, Drama & PoetryFocus shifted towards introspection in novels, social critique in drama, and nationalism and symbolism in poetry.