Postmodern Literature Resources

Postmodern Literature Resources

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Introduction to Postmodernism

Put together by Purdue University's English department, this useful overview of postmodernism includes a general intro, a glossary of terms and concepts, and modules on some key theorists (Jean Baudrillard, Frederic Jameson, and Linda Hutcheon), along with lesson plans and examples of postmodernism in action. Covering texts ranging from a 1538 woodcut to William Gibson's <em>Neuromancer</em>, plus <em>Star Trek</em> and <em>The Matrix</em>, it's definitely worth a look.

The Modern Word

Don't be fooled by the title—this site isn't about modernism. When it uses the term "modern," it's in the same way that we use it in daily life; i.e., to talk about stuff that has to do with either the present day or recent history. Spanning fiction from the 20th century onwards, this site is dedicated to "writers who have pushed the edges of their medium, combining literary talent with a sense of experimentation." All the big postmodern names are here, so if you're looking for info on an author then this site has it covered.

OnPostmodernism

This online dictionary is your doorway to the world of postmodernism, summing up the key terms we're likely to come across when reading up on the topic. It's not just your basic dictionary, though: it features listings of postmodern literature, movies, TV, art, and architecture, plus some key theoretical works. Oh, and don't forget to check out the "links" page too.

Postmodern Culture

A lot of journals are aimed squarely at the academic crowd and don't make their contents freely available. However, this e-journal does things its own way: founded in 1990, its goal is to appeal to academic and non-academic types alike. Not only is its most recent issue available online; it also features a text-only archive where you can read full articles from past issues.

"The Postmodern Essay Generator"

We all know how literary theories and movements sometimes have their fair share of fancy lingo. Ever read an essay and come away confused? We share your pain. For a fun spoof of this experience, head over to Communication from Elsewhere's Postmodern Essay Generator. Every time you visit this page you'll be greeted with a randomly-generated, fake essay that's full of "pomo" names and terms. Just don't fall into the trap of mistaking them for the real thing.