“Shattered Truths and Surreal Horizons”

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1) EXPRESSIONISM

Introduction

Expressionism emerged in the early 20th century, mainly in Germany, as a reaction against realism and materialism. Instead of representing the external world accurately, Expressionists aimed to project inner emotional experience onto the world.

Historical Background

  • Developed before and after World War I.

  • Reflected anxiety, fear, alienation, and psychological disturbance caused by industrialization and war.

  • Influenced by thinkers like Nietzsche and Freud.

Key Characteristics

  • Distorted forms and exaggerated figures

  • Intense and unnatural colours

  • Themes of isolation, suffering, madness

  • Focus on subjective reality (how things feel rather than how they look)

  • Emotional exaggeration

In Literature

Expressionist literature often shows:

  • Fragmented dialogue

  • Symbolism

  • Inner monologue

  • Characters trapped in oppressive systems

Example: Franz Kafka portrays alienation and absurdity in works like The Metamorphosis.


Poem :

The streets twist like broken veins, 
Windows stare with hollow eyes,
I walk through a world
That echoes my silent cry.

 

2) SURREALISM

Introduction

Surrealism began in the 1920s in France. It was influenced by Sigmund Freud’s theory of the unconscious mind. Surrealists believed that dreams reveal deeper truths than rational thought.

Historical Background

  • Emerged after World War I.

  • Developed from the Dada movement.

  • Sought freedom from logic and social restrictions.

Key Characteristics

  • Dream-like atmosphere

  • Unexpected combinations

  • Fantasy and irrationality

  • Symbolic imagery

  • Exploration of subconscious desires

Famous figure: Salvador Dalí

In Literature

  • Automatic writing (writing without conscious control)

  • Non-linear narrative

  • Magical realism elements

  • Blurring of reality and dream


3) MODERNISM AND POSTMODERNISM

MODERNISM

Introduction

Modernism developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to rapid industrialization, World War I, and the collapse of traditional values.

Key Characteristics

  • Break from traditional storytelling

  • Stream of consciousness technique

  • Fragmentation

  • Alienation and loss of faith

  • Experimentation in style

Important writer: T. S. Eliot

Themes

  • Disillusionment

  • Search for meaning

  • Crisis of identity

POSTMODERNISM

Introduction

Postmodernism emerged after World War II as a reaction against Modernism. It questions the idea of absolute truth and embraces diversity and multiplicity.

Key Characteristics

  • Irony and parody

  • Playfulness

  • Intertextuality (mixing texts)

  • Metafiction

  • Rejection of grand narratives


Difference Between Modernism & Postmodernism

ModernismPostmodernism
Serious tonePlayful tone
Search for meaningQuestions meaning
Fragmentation as crisis.                                                     Fragmentation as style
Belief in progressDoubt about progress




Lit Fiesta .... Glimpses 





Overall Conclusion

Expressionism focuses on emotional intensity, Surrealism explores dream and subconscious reality, and Modernism/Postmodernism examine the crisis and transformation of meaning in the modern world. These movements revolutionised art and literature by rejecting traditional forms and encouraging experimentation.


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