POSTMODERN NOVEL Meaning and
Definition
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A postmodern novel is a literary genre that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by a departure from traditional narrative structures and a rejection of the established conventions of storytelling. Postmodern novels often challenge the notion of a fixed, stable reality and instead emphasize the fragmented and subjective nature of experience.
These works are typically characterized by nonlinear narratives, with the plot unfolding in a non-chronological manner. Postmodern novels often employ a variety of narrative techniques, such as unreliable narrators, intertextuality, and metafiction, to blur the boundaries of fiction and reality. The author's voice often breaks through the narrative, and the inclusion of self-referential elements highlights the artificiality of the storytelling process.
Postmodern novels also tend to play with conventions and genres, often incorporating elements of parody, pastiche, and irony. They may draw upon popular culture, historical events, or literary traditions to deconstruct and subvert established narratives and challenge cultural norms.
The authors of postmodern novels frequently explore themes of identity, truth, and the human condition in a fragmented and post-individualistic society. They may question the reliability of language and communication, and the inability to establish objective meanings or universal truths in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Overall, postmodern novels challenge readers to think critically about the nature of storytelling, question established narratives, and embrace the ambiguity and multiplicity of meaning.
Etymology of POSTMODERN NOVEL
The etymology of the phrase "postmodern novel" can be broken down as follows:
1. Post: The prefix "post-" comes from the Latin word "post", which means "after" or "behind". In this context, it refers to something that comes after or is a reaction against an earlier period or movement.
2. Modern: The word "modern" stems from the Late Latin word "modernus", which meant "just now" or "recent". It generally refers to the period from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, marked by significant advancements and changes in society, technology, art, literature, etc.
3. Novel: The term "novel" has its roots in the Latin noun "novellus", meaning "new". It originally referred to any narrative fictional work in prose, differentiating it from poetry or drama.
