Modernism Flashcards
Romanticism
for this term, we were interested in the manner in which Daru’s self is reflected in and maybe shaped by the environment in which he lives. If we were studying ___________, we’d also separate nature into the pastoral (Links to an external site.), which is the green fields, chirping birds, sunshine and a gentle breeze, etc, and the sublime, which is the mighty and powerful in nature, the mountain crag, the thunderstorm over vastness, the cataract (waterfall).
Existentialism
Basically, it is the rejection of pre-assigned meaning, such as that which is offered by church, or state, or ideology. Instead, the human creates his or her own meaning.
Engagement
Camus’ notion that if we are to choose our meaning, it may as well be in service to human groups who have fewer examples than one does if one possess knowledge, means, etc. Perhaps influenced by the situation of his own family, or his years with workers and communist thinking.
The Absurd
One takes it for granted that life has no essential meaning. However, one may bypass the dread that this might engender by acting “as if” there was meaning.
Revolt
It is to say ‘no’ to one’s absurd existence, and in the process to say yes to some other, more desirable, existence.
Albert Camus
Author of “The Guest,” “The Stranger,” and “The Plague” known for his Romantic and Existential writing and use of the absurd.
Thomas Mann
Author of “Death in Venice” and “The Magic Mountain”.” Had a polarity between Nordic father and latin mother. Failed in school admits high expectation from his family. Studied while working at insurance firm and had six children, despite homosexual attraction.
Franz Kafka
Author of “The Metamorphosis” a German Jewish Czech who felt isolated and out of place. Main characters mirrored his own feelings. Mental health issues, and wanted works destroyed, but were published after his death.
Virgina Woolf
Author of “A Room of Ones Own” “The Waves” and “To the Lighthouse.” Parents died young causing her to have panic attacks which is why she took her own life. She and her sister, born into privilege, lived in an artistic center of London. Considered a feminist author.
