Imagine this: being alive and dead at the same time. Is this even possible, existing in life but be considered dead? Indeed it is, and Modernist literature combined this element, as well as other truths, in their writing. The Modern Era lasted from around 1900 to 1950. World War I, World War II, Great Depression, and Dust Bowl are just some of the events that influenced the literature such as: The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce, Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, and As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner. Characteristics of Modern literature include: transformation of past traditions, such as knowledge versus ignorance, individualism versus conformity, and using Paradoxes to describe reality. Fahrenheit
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When Montag is questioning Granger the purpose of the group of men, Granger explains, "But our way is simpler and, we think, better. All we want to do is keep the knowledge we think we will need, intact and safe. We're not out to incite or anger anyone yet. For if we are destroyed, the knowledge is dead, perhaps for good. We are model citizens, in our own special way" (Bradbury, 145). Granger describes how intelligent and constructive action is better than reckless action. It seems like Granger was for limiting the knowledge to the people, but it's ironic because he is educated himself. He is condescending of this new modern society, as knowledge has been replaced with ignorance. Additionally, Captain Beatty shows Montag the importance of firemen by saying, "We stand against the small tide of those who want to make everyone unhappy with conflicting theory and thought" (Bradbury, 59). Ignorance was widely accepted in this new society. Knowledge was scorned and outlawed because with having knowledge also meant that there would be different ideas and unique thoughts by everyone. Furthermore, Professor Faber demonstrates the importance of knowledge, when he claims, “'I don't talk things, sir,' said Faber. I talk the meaning of things. I sit here and know I'm alive” (Bradbury, 71). This quote expresses an opposing view to Beatty's, by advocating that knowledge is more effective than remaining ignorant. Knowledge vs. …show more content…
The definition of this is that even though mankind is considered alive, if they do not have independent and unique thoughts and ideas, they might as well be dead. This ideology was brought by world events happening at that time, such as World War I and World War II. Similarly, recent events, such as the introduction of digital technology and the invention of the smartphone, prompted Contemporary writers to take on a new stance in terms of their literature. However, literature from only the modern and contemporary periods are not relevant. Literature from the ancient periods, such as the Native-American and Colonial periods offer just as much wisdom as literature from the Contemporary and Modern periods. Using all of the works created by these authors, mankind should have the tools necessary to advance themselves and society without having to compromise the individualism contained in each and every human. This will help humanity to not only survive physically, but survive spiritually. All literature from all literary periods will be instrumental in creating a form of utopia, where mankind will flourish for generations to
When Montag is questioning Granger the purpose of the group of men, Granger explains, "But our way is simpler and, we think, better. All we want to do is keep the knowledge we think we will need, intact and safe. We're not out to incite or anger anyone yet. For if we are destroyed, the knowledge is dead, perhaps for good. We are model citizens, in our own special way" (Bradbury, 145). Granger describes how intelligent and constructive action is better than reckless action. It seems like Granger was for limiting the knowledge to the people, but it's ironic because he is educated himself. He is condescending of this new modern society, as knowledge has been replaced with ignorance. Additionally, Captain Beatty shows Montag the importance of firemen by saying, "We stand against the small tide of those who want to make everyone unhappy with conflicting theory and thought" (Bradbury, 59). Ignorance was widely accepted in this new society. Knowledge was scorned and outlawed because with having knowledge also meant that there would be different ideas and unique thoughts by everyone. Furthermore, Professor Faber demonstrates the importance of knowledge, when he claims, “'I don't talk things, sir,' said Faber. I talk the meaning of things. I sit here and know I'm alive” (Bradbury, 71). This quote expresses an opposing view to Beatty's, by advocating that knowledge is more effective than remaining ignorant. Knowledge vs. …show more content…
The definition of this is that even though mankind is considered alive, if they do not have independent and unique thoughts and ideas, they might as well be dead. This ideology was brought by world events happening at that time, such as World War I and World War II. Similarly, recent events, such as the introduction of digital technology and the invention of the smartphone, prompted Contemporary writers to take on a new stance in terms of their literature. However, literature from only the modern and contemporary periods are not relevant. Literature from the ancient periods, such as the Native-American and Colonial periods offer just as much wisdom as literature from the Contemporary and Modern periods. Using all of the works created by these authors, mankind should have the tools necessary to advance themselves and society without having to compromise the individualism contained in each and every human. This will help humanity to not only survive physically, but survive spiritually. All literature from all literary periods will be instrumental in creating a form of utopia, where mankind will flourish for generations to