The Passions of Modernism: Eliot, Yeats, Woolf, and Mann

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Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of South Carolina Press (January 4, 2010)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1570038627
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1570038624
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.08 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.2 x 0.8 x 9.5 inches

The Passions of Modernism: Eliot, Yeats, Woolf, and Mann

Modernism was a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a break from traditional forms and a focus on innovation and experimentation. Four of the most influential figures in modernist literature were T.S. Eliot, W.B. Yeats, Virginia Woolf, and Thomas Mann. Each of these writers explored the complexities of modern life and the inner workings of the human psyche in their work, delving into themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

T.S. Eliot, perhaps best known for his epic poem “The Waste Land,” captured the fractured and disillusioned spirit of post-World War I society. His work is filled with allusions to classical literature and religious texts, reflecting a sense of cultural disintegration and spiritual crisis. Eliot’s exploration of the fragmented nature of modern experience and his innovative use of poetic form revolutionized the way poetry was written and understood.

W.B. Yeats, on the other hand, was deeply engaged with Irish nationalism and mysticism in his poetry. His work reflects a fascination with the supernatural and the occult, as well as a concern for the political and social upheavals of his time. Yeats’s poetry is marked by its lyrical beauty and its exploration of myth and symbolism, making him a central figure in the Irish literary revival.

Virginia Woolf, known for her groundbreaking novels such as “Mrs. Dalloway” and “To the Lighthouse,” explored the inner lives of her characters with unprecedented psychological depth. Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness style allowed her to delve into the complexities of human thought and emotion, capturing the fragmented and subjective nature of experience in the modern world. Her work challenged traditional notions of narrative structure and gender roles, paving the way for a new era of experimental fiction.

Finally, Thomas Mann, a German writer best known for his novel “The Magic Mountain,” examined the tensions between the individual and society in his work. Mann’s novels are often characterized by their philosophical depth and their exploration of moral and existential questions. His writing reflects a deep engagement with European intellectual and cultural history, as well as a concern for the moral dilemmas of modern life.

In their own unique ways, Eliot, Yeats, Woolf, and Mann captured the passions and complexities of modernism, pushing the boundaries of literature and art in the process. Their work continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day, offering profound insights into the human condition and the challenges of living in a rapidly changing world.
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