Postmodernism Flashcards
Define Relativity of ideas
concept that belief, values and interpretations come from a individuals perspective, culture and experiences
In literature and critical analysis it means that there are no absolute truths and ideas can be understood in different ways
Define History is fiction
history is created as a narrative by those with authority in our society, thus, suggesting that history that we “know” is actually just one of many possible narratives.
Define Image is Everything
When the image of something holds more power than the actual product
Jean Baudrillard argues that the simulacrum, which is a copy of the original, now holds more value than the original. (everything is a copy of a forgotten “original”)
Define No Political Agenda
Unlike other literary theorists, postmodernists claim to have no political agenda. They argue this because they don’t believe that a text has one hidden truth.
Define Pastiche
Postmodern literature often combines many genres or styles into a single narrative.
combines ideas from different narratives, genres, or even novels
Define Irony and Dark Humour
Often postmodern novels take a very playful look at a serious issue. Can sometimes be found offensive, but postmodernists clearly think such an approach is important.
Define Metafiction
Metafiction is a literary technique where a story acknowledges itself as fiction.
breaks traditional storytelling rules, comments on its own structure, or directly addresses the reader, making them aware that they are engaging with a constructed narrative.
Define Non-linear Narrative Fragmentation
Non-linear narratives present events out of chronological order, using flashbacks, time jumps, or multiple perspectives.
Define Fragmentation
Fragmentation breaks traditional storytelling by using disjointed structure, abrupt shifts, or incomplete ideas to reflect chaos or complexity.
Define Technoculture and paranoia
postmodern literature often focuses on the negative impacts of technology on our lives and the paranoia such technology creates. For example, technology is used for the government to spy on citizens, or robots take the place of humans.
