Postmodernism in Literature

What is it? Movement began around/after WWII Reaction to Modernism (revolution against tradition) Difficult to define Inconsistent and contradictory *** How do these characteristics apply to the novel Grendel?

Basic Premises Claims there is NO TRUTH The truths of human nature and society actually change throughout the course of history NOTHING retains meaning Skepticism *** Consider: How does Grendel change the meaning of human nature and society from that which we see in Beowulf?

Basic Premises Attack against theory and methodology Identifies, questions and breaks down thought paradigms Paradigm is an example that serves as a pattern or model for something *** Who uses theory and paradigms in Grendel? Where in the novel does Grendel destroy a theory or paradigm for the humans?

Deconstruction Deconstruction is a form of literary analysis Identifies hierarchies and presuppositions of a work of literature Examines what the text does NOT say Creates multiple interpretations so that there is no finality or completion, a reader cannot finish or attain closure No unity, every interpretation is neither right nor wrong Interpretation is introspective and anti-objective, self-indulgent subjectivity *** Does the character Grendel use deconstruction in the novel? How so? Can you give an example?

Nihilism Total rejection of social conventions and beliefs Belief that nothing is worthwhile Disbelief in objective truth Belief in destruction of authority *** How is Grendel nihilistic?

Rejecting Rationalism (modernist idea) thought and action should be governed by reason reason and logic are primary sources of knowledge and truth and should be relied on in search for and testing the truth of things Rejection—Rationalism is a myth, bias affects everything *** To what theme does this notion connect? When and where does Grendel try to use rationalism? When and where does he reject it?

Problem of Identity Search for identity, but it is impossible to grasp Identity changes—not consistent *** How does this apply to the character Grendel in the novel?

Helpful websites Post Modernism & It’s Critics http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/436/pomo.htm Mapping Modernism and Postmodernism http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~amerstu/573/pomochart.html Comparing Postmoderism, Modernism and Theism http://www.xenos.org/classes/papers/pomoch1.htm