Modern and Contemporary Literature

Poetry, Short Stories, and Drama: Exploring Contemporary Literature

Poetry, short stories, drama, and film scripts are just a few of the many genres that make up today’s literature, which ranges from works from the turn of the century to modern theories on globalization. The majority of academics concur that contemporary writing started in 1940 at the conclusion of the Second World War and has continued up to the present. Modern contemporary writers have been battling the problem of representation of their work in the context of accelerated societal change in recent days. They have since provided some thought-provoking considerations and reflections on the value of literature in aiding readers in creating a critical framework for interpreting these signals about current trends. This paper seeks to delve into the thematic and formal development of contemporary writing and some of the controversies debate and the setting of 20th-century literature.

Reality-Based Stories and Character-Driven Narratives

Contemporary literature features the current narrative with somewhat harsh reality. Besides, present written work tends to be inspired by the lifestyle after the Second World War, but literally, it’s deeply rooted in the frustrations brought about by the Second World War. A new fact bloomed in the post-war mind, which encompasses personal, cynicism and frustration. The major typical feature of the contemporary literature is reality-based stories with a real character and a believable story. The presence of a well-defined and realistic style makes the modern stories more character driven than plot driven.

Presenting the Frustrations of the Unfortunate

In the Manual for Cleaning Women, Berlin presents rich people traveling in cars and never bothers to look at the poor people on the street (Lawrence& Jeffrey, 26). She also observes that poor people wait a lot, high rate of unemployment, and lines on emergency rooms, phone booths, and Laundromats. Thus, she can present the frustrations that the unfortunate encounter in the current drastically changing society. In the Mongrel, Stephen Graham also gives a case of the suffering of a boy whose family lives on the fringe of society and struggles to live in a hostile world that avoids them and also fears to interact with them. These two examples present the real picture of and the frustrations that the poor have to endure in the modern world.

Mirroring Current Trends: Social Commentary and Fragments of Reality

Apparently, contemporary literature mirrors the current trends in life and culture. Modern authors present their perspective on the current issues incorporating a mixture of pastiche of subjects and genres while experimenting with form and structure. In “The Mongrels,” Stephen Graham shows a boy born in a society whose culture shuns them away. However, the community finally changes their perspective when his Aunt Libby and Uncle Darren eventually stubbornly make their way in a society that doesn’t want to relate to them. Throughout the collection of “A Manual for Cleaning Women,” Berlin also provides a social commentary possibly a new view on culture when Bella and Lou discuss the likelihood of Lou securing an abortion in Texas. Nevertheless, the appropriateness and effectiveness of presenting this fiction is an issue of debate.

Fragmentation of Reality and Internalized Narration

Contemporary authors always have a unique way of presenting the reality through destabilization and fragmentation of reality. To achieve this, they tend to use surprising and in most cases use inconsistent metaphors for the inner state (McKeon, 17). Most of the authors are great poetic, and lyrical writers with breathtaking sentences hence can keep the readers glued to their work. For example, Sheffield in his novel, “Helen Keller Lived,” is multilayered, beautifully written, and funny. The depth of the story and use of metaphor is evidence when Sheffield continually shifts the meaning of the title. The entire work does not change the meaning, but somewhat this trick draws the readers firmly to her work. Furthermore, Sheffield quick thoughts on creation and destruction of character in both an imaginable and real way make the better part of the book.

Multiple Perspectives and Psychological Wounds

Throughout the work of modern literature, the narration is fragmented, internalized through multiple perceptive or viewpoints. Hence the readers can develop a critical framework for interpreting various issues. For instance, In “The Sleeping World,” Fuentes narrates about the scars that once the physical wounds heal, the psychological wounds test does not heal at all. Through this presentation, the brutality that erodes personal relationship causing mental torture is well brought about with the most devastating act of Mosca’s brother in Spain history. In her book “Helen Keller Lived,” Sheffield, in the bid get revenge on her ex-husband, Selina moves in with Fritzi and is involved in a scheme to hold eggs meant for IVF hostage. Thus the author paints the picture of psychological distress that people go through some even plotting revenge in the bid of finding a solution to these problems.

Lyrical Narration and Meta-Fictional Experiments

Modern literature somewhat presents a characterization of individuals such heroic individuals of romantic, anti-heroism characters who offer themselves as symbiotic or allegorical types. Just like romanticism, current literature combines the elements of revolutionary and reactionary. The lyrical features of most of the modern novel make for one of the writing principle pleasures. Narrating the story in Mosca’s voice, Fuentes captures the problems of the transitional years in Spain’s history. Hence, the narrative lyrical qualities make us closer to Mosca which makes “The Sleeping World” evokes its aftermath results. Sheffield, in the book “Helen Keller Lived,” narrates her story in a lyrical and meta-fictional experiment and most of the writers literally decision is about her characters. She describes Selina Van Staal middle-aged woman whose story seems to be her confession.

Self-Consciousness and Irony: Engaging the Reader

Self-consciousness and use of irony predominate most of the contemporary literature brings the authors’ idea in an arguably unique way. In point of view, most modern authors play sort of game with the reader to spice up the narrative (Brooker & Widdowson, 78). Berlin, the writer of “A Manual for Cleaning Women,” understands well that writing the story in the first person, the reader will naturally become bored and there will be no motivation to continue reading the story. As a result, she shifts to the third person bringing more significant because the reader will emphasize more on the character. In their writing, some authors advocate for primitivism by presenting beliefs thought and behavior which are simple and unsophisticated. “The Sleeping World” is an example of modern literature employing these techniques.

Compelling Narratives and Social Relevance

With modernization and development of contemporary literature, the authors can narrate their stories more compellingly and fascinatingly. Graham, the author of “Mongrel,” employs a unique way of telling his story by alternating between past and present creating an unforgettable portrait of his characters. To illustrate, he shows a smart and innovative story, bloody, funny and real narrated in a clear voice full of life. Hence, “Mongrel” is a profoundly touching story that shows the hardships and tender joys of a told in a bold and imaginative unique way. More so, modern literature authors tend to use humor smartly throughout their collection rendering them unique and compelling.

Social and Political Commentary: Reflecting the Present

Works of contemporary literature mirror a society’s social and political viewpoint presented through believable characters connected to the current events and also the socioeconomic issues. Virtually, the writers are keen for trends that mirror societal strengths and weaknesses to enlighten the members on the lessons they should learn. Fuentes in “The Sleeping World” narrates about contemporary issues before and after Spain democracy. He takes us into the era after the death of Dictator Francisco Franco and also early days of the freedom. A decade after the justice, the country is still under internal strife between those supporting democracy and those who want to live in the past. For the younger generation, it is an exciting opportunity to pop on illegal basement bars, uprisings, protests, and basement bar.

Genres, Styles, and Literary Techniques in Contemporary Literature

While contemporary literature is not limited to one type, there are different types which send a message to people living through Second World War 11. However, contemporary poetry does not only revolve around the holocaust of war but also speak to the injustices and the search for people’s right. The fight served as a catalyst and shifted the mindset of the authors writing in this era consciously and unconsciously igniting the shift in thinking through the literature. For example, “Mongrel” by Graham is a classic piece of contemporary work. The novel follows a boy an outsider on his journey to find recognition in a society which shuns them away. The book serves as a strong message about trauma and challenges brought about by such vices in our today’s society.

Vivid Imagery and Passionate Writing

While period is a factor, the style of writing contemporary literature also denotes its place. Indeed, modern writing feels more real by nature because of its use of regional diction and even use of slang to enhance the emotional themes behind the stories. Also, it is becoming increasingly common to witness the significant use of imagery based on the weather as a way of symbolizing ideas and emotional changes. For example Berlins writing awash in lush sensory details. In her story she observes that’\u2019 the cookie expanded in my mouth like Japanese Flowers\u2019\u2019 in another story she observes a woman crying, and states \u2018\u2019Tears filled her eyes, caught in the lashes and didn’t fall, reflected the green palm, so it looked like she was wearing turquoise goggles.\u2019 The style used in contemporary literature creates a vivid image of the story to reader making the character appear more real facilitating the reader to comprehend the message that the author intends to pass.

Realistic Characters and Themes: Driving the Message Home

While there is no standard style, the connection between all works of contemporary literature is the passion inspired by the words and realistic characters, topics and the themes presented in this type of literature. The prime objective of the authors is to make their characters believable, their concepts real and most importantly to drive their messages to the reader clear and loud. An example of how characters are used to bring and turn a concept is “The Marvelous Equations of the Dread.” In this story, Douglas uses his characters to tell the twin stories of Jamaica’s nihilistic violence its destruction to humanity in a fantastic creative way. The story takes place in both the world of the living and the vivid afterlife of the dead. Through this approach, Douglas can pass his message of encouraging the society to have responsibility for the sake of future generation.

Diverse Genres and Narration Styles

Genres included in contemporary literature in this era span a variety of writing forms, providing for short stories, poetry, plays, and autobiographies. However, nonfictional writing is not considered as literature in the contemporary novel, although sometimes creative nonfiction can be incorporated in telling a true story using literary techniques. Use of powerful metaphors in modern literature is so common, especially when the author wants to present their perception and view on the stories they are narrating. Berlin incorporates rich metaphor in her story when she says, patients at a West Oakland rehab center gather around the television as a boxer tries to remain standing in the ring against the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard. In the metaphor, she wanted to represent about becoming potent in their fight against addiction.

Socially Relevant Works and Unique Narration

Many contemporary literary works have become socially relevant and have the possibility of influencing the members of society by changing their mindset. Currently, literary works are serving as an essential aspect of enlightening the public by informing them of their rights and also on ensuring that justice prevails in society. To achieve this, the authors of contemporary literature have continued to keenly observe the current trends to develop unique ways of writing their work. For example, “The Sleeping World” by Fuentes narrates a story about loss and political and cultural rebellion (GYURKO, 170). It depicts the desperation of the young in their desire for change in the new and unstable political climate in which they have to operate. Besides, contemporary authors write their work to advocate for justice and have continued to expose impunity in society.

Distinct Narration and Symbolism

The method of narration of contemporary literature creates a distinct feel for work. Most authors have a unique way of incorporating literary devices such as symbolism, tone, imagery, diction, and voice in their method of narration. In the recent past, the authors are including new ways of narrating their stories, which have continued to attract more readers to contemporary literature. Berlin, the author of “A Manual for Cleaners,” presents his story as one of the most exquisite pieces. A foreword by Lydia Davis, who corresponds in a friendly manner with Berlin, brings about a mix tape in her writing. As a result, she presents her work in a perfect way for new readers as well as existing readers. The unique style of narrating stories in contemporary literature has drawn more people to read, subsequently reaching a wider audience.

Fragmented Reality and Interior Perception

Contemporary literature authors have a way of unifying and fragmenting reality by internalizing interior perception streaming into consciousness. That way, they can communicate even the most sensitive message to the reader in a most appropriate way. Also, in their work, classical and mythic forms are refashioned and made new in a way that entices the readers to read their work. For instance, Fuentes narrates how Grito falls through the ice into a river which led to him drowning (Buell & Lawrence, 37). After that, Mosca, Marco, and La Canaria continued to live desperately on the streets of Paris after their friend died. Fuentes presents an excellent example of how contemporary writers communicate depressing issues efficiently. In some instances, modern authors tend to play with the reader’s mind and sometimes may not always draw us to the characters (GYURKO, 170). For example, in “The Sleeping World,” the readers are left with many questions such as whether Mosca believes that his brother is dead.

Conclusion: Exploring Contemporary Literature

In conclusion, contemporary literature began after the Second World War through the current days. Works of this literature have continued to focus on society, social and political issues currently affecting people of different economic and social status. By using realistic characters, the authors have been able to connect with the current and trending situations affecting people. However, there is an issue of discussion on when the contemporary literature commenced, but most scholars argue that the writing began after 1940.

Works Cited

Brooker, Peter, Raman Selden, and Peter Widdowson. A reader’s guide to contemporary literary

TheoryTaylor& Francis, 2017, pp.70-86.

Buell, Lawrence. “Literary Transcendentalism.” 2017, pp.37-41.

GYURKO, LANIN A. “CARLOS FUENTES AND WORLD FILM.” The Reptant: Essays on

Carlos Fuentes and the Art of the Novel (2015): 170.

Lawrence, Jeffrey. “”I Read even the Scraps of Paper I Find on the Street“: A Thesis on the

Contemporary Literatures of all the Americas.” American Literary History 26.3 (2014): 536-558.

McKeon, Lucy. “I’ll Take Care of You Tonight.” Dissent, vol. 63, no. 4, 2016, pp. 12-17.