What is PostModernism?
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What is PostModernism?

A fictive dialogue told by some of the most prominent PM writers.

44
What is PostModernism?

One of literatures greatest mysteries: PostModernism. How would some of the most prominent PostModern writers describe it? Here's how I think it would go:

“Welcome,” the virtual prompter bellows, his holographic form pulsing with the movement of the light that composes it. “Our goal today is to solve one of literature’s great mysteries: What is Postmodernism?”

With this question, several of the literary artists sitting at the round table’s curved edge begin to burst into conversation.

“Doesn’t giving Postmodernism a blanket definition go against Postmodernist tendencies?” Someone asks, their voice rising slightly above the others.

“Well what are Postmodern tendencies?” the prompter asks.

“Postmodernist works play with perceptions of reality,” Doctorow answers. “They should make readers question their own preconceived notions. What is real? What is not real? I find an excellent way to portray this is through historiographic metafiction; blending real pieces of history together with false ones. It makes readers question the notion of history and fiction as constructs.”

“They do play with reality,” Marquez responds, “but I find that the best way to portray this is through magical realism. Experiencing reality through an alternate perspective. History can play into this as well, but through the portrayal of time and reflective examining of past events. Instead of making readers question the past, it should rely more heavily on making the reader examine the relationship of the past to the present. My novel, for example, does exactly that; uses current characters and circumstances to examine the past”

“Postmodernism isn’t all about reality,” Gibson insists. “I’d say it’s more about alternate realities. We live in a world of law and order; Postmodern works should operate within lawlessness and lack of order. It should warp elements of our own reality into something different.”

“I disagree,” Shields cuts in, “I think our own reality is the most Postmodern reality there is.”

“This banter isn’t helping,” Pynchon cuts in. “Postmodernist works are identified by their work with the relationship between form and content. A defying of grand narratives is what defines Postmodernism. Not sticking to traditionally accepted forms, like genre conventions, for example. My own novel is often compared to detective novels, but the lack of resolution at the novel’s end defies that categorization. Postmodern works are not like trees, with a clearly definable trunk/plotline. They’re more like rhizomes, where everything is connected, but no one piece takes more importance than the other. Several tenets should be interwoven throughout the narrative.”

“I’d agree with that,” Le offers. “Building a narrative that isn’t easily categorized is the maker or Postmodern work. If your reader isn’t left with questions, then the narrative isn’t Postmodern. My readers often ask me if my novel is fiction or fact, and their questions fortify my novel’s categorization as Postmodern.”

“Yes,” Auster offers, “leaving the audience questioning what they’ve read is a marker of Postmodernism, as well as defiance of form. My novel’s conclusion defies itself; there is no definitive conclusion. Pynchon’s novel does the same.”

“As does mine. It seems like a detective novel, but has no resolution. I’d be more likely to compare it to Le’s work, however, because it is a blending of fact and fiction” Marquez responds.

“I think we’re neglecting narration, which is a big part of Postmodernist works,” Shields cuts in.

“I don’t think narration is that important,” Gibson argues.

“Narration is definitely important,” counters Marquez. “My own narrator is unnamed.”

“And why is an unnamed narrator significant?” Gibson insists.

“Because,” Doctorow cuts in, “its another way that Postmodern works defy conventions. My own narrator is unnamed as well, which leaves readers to question the source of the reality presented within the book. My novel intends to make readers question history as a construct because of perspective. A lack of identified perspective augments that.”

“My narrator is named, so I don’t think it’s the lack of identity that makes a work postmodern,” Shields contests. “I think it’s the reliability of the narrator. In my novel, the narrator recants events from her own life in a way that seems almost neutral and separate. She tells readers, however, that her own perspective is not definitive and sound. I am able to paint a believable plot with a questionable source, thus leaving the readers with questions about the reliability of what they’ve read.”

“What we’ve established is that Postmodernism is about defying pre-conceived expectations…so setting expectations is counterproductive.” Says an indistinct voice.

“Well,” says the prompter. “How about this? Which of your respective novels is the best example of Postmodern tendancies?”

Following this question, there is a moment of silence. Then, overwhelming noise as each literary artist tries to talk over the other.

“This defeats the purpose!” someone shouts.

“BUT,” someone else says, “If we HAD to pick…” someone else counters.

“This,” the prompter says as he looks around at the chaos unfolding, “is postmodernism.”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

8602
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

941213
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

117650
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments