Historians have divided the Last century into modernism and postmodernism periods. Some experts are of the view that both to be parts of one larger period, while others consider them separately. Modernism, in its simplest sense stands for modern thoughts and practices and is a cultural movement which includes progressive art and architecture, music, designs and several forms of art. Modernism is founded by a strong and intentional split in the traditions, and includes reaction against literature, art, etc. Modernism has provided us the latest styles and attitudes, as well as revolutionary ideas and practices. For instance, modern classic furniture, such as Bauhaus furniture and Modloft furniture are examples of modernism, which have today become an icon of elegance and sophistication.

Roots of Modernism

For history lovers, modernism may have started in the sixteenth century. This is considered as the Early Modern period and extends up to 18th century. Modernism started during the Renaissance times and it was at that time when people changed the thinking of man through art, poetry, philosophy, and through ideas. The basic of modernism went much stronger when it moves to the 19th century, as after World War II, much emphasis was laid on modern visual and performing arts.

This Enlightenment era saw the maturation of human beliefs as well as lead to the Scientific Revolution, which paved way for scientists like Galileo and Newton. Two of the elite individuals who shaped this era were Charles Darwin, with the theory of evolution, and Karl Marx, who played a significant role in modernism and communism. However, it is in the principles of Enlightenment that the roots of modernism can be found. Theorists and thinkers of 18th and 19th century believe that virtually everything has a cause: traditions, customs, art, etc.

Characteristics of Modernism

• Modernism is defined as a movement far from the apparent objectivity provided by the narrators and clear-cut moral positions. Many famous narrative stories come under this aspect of modernism.

• Modernists can be regarded as Individuals who investigate and focus more on the axioms, i.e. formally declared principles or well-defined rules. They decline the theory of Enlightenment philosophy and All-Mighty Creator. However, some modernists rule out these religious beliefs, but not all.

• The language that modernism focuses in literature is more in a self-conscious way. It brings to practicals with work, and focuses more on the method and products used. We can also say, it regards language as a technique to craft the piece of literature, just like an artist crafts a piece of art.

• It focuses on discontinuous narratives and includes fragmented forms and collages.

• Modernism denies the philosophy of up and down, when it comes to the display and distribution of art and architecture.

• It uses image and symbols as common literary techniques. According to a few historians, it dislocates the true meaning and sense of the work from its real context.

• In literature specifically, it represents a story with the point of view of several different people, with the assumption that the truth is there somewhere.

• Currently, commentators take modernism as an overall progressive style of thoughts, which make man improve and change the environment, with the help of scientific knowledge and newest technologies. Hence, modernism is an form that supports the re-examination of every piece of existence, be it commerce or philosophy.

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