What is Postmodernism?

What is Postmodernism?

Postmodernism is a famous literary and artistic movement. It started roughly after World War II, mainly in the 1960s. Before this period, writers (called Modernists) felt very sad because the world seemed broken and chaotic. However, Postmodern writers had a different attitude. They did not try to fix the chaos. Instead, they accepted it and even celebrated it.

One of the main ideas of Postmodernism is the rejection of absolute truth. In the past, people believed that science, religion, or history could explain everything perfectly. Postmodernists argue that there is no single "Truth" that applies to everyone. They believe that reality is subjective. This means that what is true for one person might not be true for another. Everything depends on your own point of view and culture.

"Modernism searched for meaning in a chaotic world, but Postmodernism plays with the chaos."

The writing style of Postmodernism is often playful and ironic. Writers like to play games with the reader. They might mix serious history with cartoons or pop culture. Sometimes, the author will break the "fourth wall" and speak directly to the reader. They want to remind you that you are reading a made-up story, not real life. This technique is often called "Metafiction."

Finally, Postmodernism blurs the line between "High Art" and "Low Art." In the old days, classic literature was seen as superior to comic books or detective stories. Postmodern authors mix these genres together. They show us that meaning is not fixed, and we should question everything we see and read.