Modern Literature Key Terms Flashcards
Alienation
The feeling that you have no connection to the people/culture/society around you
Post-colonialism
Literature which focuses on the consequences of the control and exploitation of colonised people and their lands.
Self-reflexive
A literary work which reflects openly on their own processes of artful composition
Dystopian
A narrative set in a futuristic world, which presents a pessimistic view of humanity.
Magic realism
Narratives which combine realistic narrative techniques and fantasy elements. Often used to explore the limits/restrictions of the social world.
Counter-cultural
A subculture of people who oppose or reject the dominant beliefs and attitudes of society.
Feminism
Literature which explores the role of women in society and critiques the marginalisation of women in the past and present.
Multi-culturalism
The merging of distinctive cultural/ethnic groups within a society.
Post-modernism
Late 20th century style which is characterised by the self-conscious use of earlier styles and conventions, a mixing of different artistic styles and media, and a general distrust of established theories and schools of thought.
Existentialism
A modern philosophical movement stressing the importance of personal experience and responsibility. The individual is seen as a free agent in a seemingly meaningless universe.
Intrusive narrator
An omniscient narrator who, in addition to reporting events, offers commentary on the characters and situations of the novel. They often direct the reader to pay attention to certain things and seek to influence their views.
Pastiche
An artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist of period.
Intertextuality
The shaping of a texts meaning by another text.
