CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
The word contemporary means
living, belonging to or occurring in the present. Contemporary literature
is a vast group of written works produced from a specific time in history
through the current age. This literary era defines a time period, but it also
describes a particular style and quality of writing. Some see this period as an
extension of postmodern literature, but most refer to it as a literary era
of its own.
Works of contemporary literature
reflect a society's social and/or political viewpoints, shown through realistic
characters, connections to current events and socioeconomic messages. The
writers are looking for trends that illuminate societal strengths and
weaknesses to remind society of lessons they should learn and questions they
should ask. So when we think of contemporary literature, we cannot simply look
at a few themes or settings. Since society changes over time, so do the content
and messages of this writing.
Most agree that the era of contemporary writing began in
the 1940 s. A few scholars claim this period started at the end of World War
II, and this is where the era's pairing with postmodern literature comes in.
The postmodern era began after WWII, in the 1940's, and lasted through the
1960's. The contemporary period extends to the current day.
Although there are a few disagreements about the beginning
of this literary period, the biggest dispute surrounds what qualifies a written
work as literature. The word refers to both poetry and prose, where prose
includes works of fiction such as novels and novellas, essays, and dramatic
works. This term also refers to the quality of writing. In order to be
considered literature, a written work must uphold the highest writing standards
and contain a particular beauty and style. Many literary works become socially
relevant and have the power to influence the public.
Much of contemporary literature comes from Western authors;
however, the term is not synonymous with English or American literature, and
this literary period can apply to written works from anywhere in the world. In
fact, globalization opened the door to include contemporary works written
by many literary figures in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Genres included in this literary period span a variety of
writing forms in addition to novels and poetry. Flash fiction, short stories,
slam poetry, plays, memoirs, and autobiographies can all be included in this
category. nonfiction is usually not classified as literature, but
this era sometimes includes works of creative nonfiction, which tell a true
story using literary techniques.
Typical characteristics of the contemporary period include
reality-based stories with strong characters and a believable story. Settings
usually keep to the current or modern era, so futuristic and
science fiction novels are rarely included in this category.
Well-defined, realistic, and highly developed characters are important in
classifying a written work as contemporary, and most writing in this category
features stories that are more character driven than plot driven.
Contemporary literature features a somewhat modern
narrative, but it also contains a harsher reality. Contemporary written works
tend to be influenced by the prosperous lifestyle that followed WWII, but this
literary class is rooted in the devastation that war brought to the world. A
new reality blossomed in the post-war mind, and it included a personal
cynicism, disillusionment, and frustration that is common to this literary
period.
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