1946-Present (The 21st century)

Historical context

1946-Present (The 21st century)

Notable Authors and Works

Key characteristics

English literature, Laura Lasprilla

21st century

Major Themes

Mayor themes

-Identity and Self: Many works explore how individuals or groups define themselves in relation to history, culture, and society (e.g., post-colonial identity, gender, race). -Technology and Modernity: The impact of technology, social media, and global connectivity on the individual and society. -Political and Social Justice: Literature often critiques social inequalities and injustices, from race and class issues to environmental concerns. -Postmodernism and Fragmentation: Stories that challenge traditional narratives, often questioning the concept of truth and authority.

Historical context

-Post WWII Period: Literature shifted to reflect the rapid changes in society after the end of Word War II in 1945. The rise of the Cold war was seen by the world, the civil rights movement, decolonization and significant technological advances. -Globalization and technology: The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a boom in technology, globalization, and the internet. These changes are reflected in literature that explores themes of identity, technology, and global interconnectedness. -Social and political movements: Literature from this period often engages with issues like racial and gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, environmentalism, and political upheaval (e.g., the fall of the Soviet Union, the rise of China, etc.).

Notable Authors and Works

-Post-WWII to Late 20th Century: -George Orwell: 1984 (1949) – A dystopian novel about totalitarianism and surveillance. -Gabriel García Márquez: One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) – A landmark in magical realism, blending the supernatural with real-world political themes. -Toni Morrison: Beloved (1987) – A powerful exploration of slavery’s effects on African American identity. -Salman Rushdie: Midnight's Children (1981) – A historical novel blending magical realism and the political landscape of post-colonial India. -Margaret Atwood: The Handmaid's Tale (1985) – A dystopian novel examining gender inequality and theocracy.

Gabriel García Márquez

Historical Context

-Post WWII Period: Literature shifted to reflect the rapid changes in society after the end of Word War II in 1945. The rise of the Cold war was seen by the world, the civil rights movement, decolonization and significant technological advances. -Globalization and technology: The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a boom in technology, globalization, and the internet. These changes are reflected in literature that explores themes of identity, technology, and global interconnectedness. -Social and political movements: Literature from this period often engages with issues like racial and gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, environmentalism, and political upheaval (e.g., the fall of the Soviet Union, the rise of China, etc.).

-Haruki Murakami: Kafka on the Shore (2002) – A blend of surrealism and introspective narrative exploring memory, identity, and fate. -Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Americanah (2013) – A novel that explores themes of race, identity, and migration through the experiences of a Nigerian woman. -Zadie Smith: White Teeth (2000) – A multicultural novel about the lives of two families in London. -David Foster Wallace: Infinite Jest (1996) – A complex, multilayered novel that explores addiction, media, and the search for meaning in a postmodern world.

Key Characteristics

-Diversity of Voices: Writers from all over the world, especially post-colonial countries, began to gain recognition. Themes of cultural identity, migration, and diaspora are prominent. -Postmodernism and Metafiction: Many authors in the second half of the 20th century and into the 21st century embraced postmodernism, which involves questioning reality, mixing genres, and playing with narrative structures. -Multimedia and Hybrid Forms: Works are often influenced by other media like film, music, and online content. Authors experiment with narrative form, blending different genres or incorporating digital elements (e.g., blogs, social media).

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