Postmodern Literature Questions
Bring on the tough stuff. There's not just one right answer.
- Do you agree with the idea that postmodernism started around the time that WWII came to an end, or do you think that there are earlier/later texts or events that stand out as leading the way?
- People sometimes talk about postmodernism as a revolutionary movement, but to what extent do you feel that it was influenced by previous movements—especially modernism? Do you see a clear break between modernism and postmodernism or is there continuation between the two?
- Many cultural critics have linked postmodernism with the rise of consumerism and the mass media during the mid-late 20th century. Do you think it's entirely a symptom of this backdrop or can it resist/subvert it in any way?
- What do you feel are the benefits (or drawbacks) of taking a postmodern approach to serious subjects such as WWII?
- Critics such as Fredric Jameson have argued that pastiche is empty and meaningless compared to parody. Do you agree? And do you think there are any other ways in which we can interpret pastiche?
- Some critics have argued that postmodern literature is all style and no substance. What's your take? Can postmodern literature express genuine feelings and explore meaningful themes? Or do you think that it's the lack of these qualities that marks literature as postmodern?
- Nostalgia is often linked with modernism, as it's all about alienation, loss, and a hankering for the past—hardly the stuff of postmodern irony. But can postmodern texts engage with nostalgia in any way? And are nostalgia and irony always at odds or can they work together?
- While postmodernism started out as experimental and rebellious, some folks have claimed that it's now become commercialized and lost its bite; you know, like when an indie band goes all mainstream. To what extent do you think this is true? Can postmodern literature still be subversive or has it become just another part of pop culture?
- Where some other literary movements can be seen as a bit cliquey, postmodernism's anything goes approach and mixing of high/low culture would seem to break down any boundaries of this kind. But is this always the case? Does postmodernism have an open-door policy or does it have its own literary "in crowd"?
- Some critics argue that postmodernism is dead and that we've now entered an age of post-postmodern texts. What's your take on this? Do you feel that postmodernism is still alive and kicking or has it moved into different territory?