Archive for the ‘Modernism’ Category

What is the difference between modernism and transcendentalism?

Posted by admin - Saturday, August 28th, 2010

I need to contrast modernism and transcendentalism for school.

Well I’m no expert on Modernism, but here’s some qualities of Transcendentalism:

Transcendentalism is a quest for truth. This is one of the main tenets of transcendentalists; Emerson and Thoreau both wrote extensively about it. Essentially, truth is anything which an individual judges to be correct out of their own intuition; generally accepted societal beliefs are tossed aside. And one of the best ways to find this truth is to communicate with Nature, and also to search inside one’s self. Transcendentalism stresses individual introspection and finds society as a whole to be a destructive force towards personal freedom. Another belief is that God can be found in all things, especially Nature. Going to church or some other place of worship is not necessary, all that is needed is to be in tune with one’s self and the natural world. Materialism is also looked down upon, this degrades true life. When one gets caught up in acquiring and taking care of possessions there’s no time left to truly live.

Basic Beliefs:
1. Quest for truth
2. Individualism
3. Strong connection to Nature
4. Dislike of materialism
5. Must rely on intuition

Here’s some quotes from transcendentalists:

"Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth." – H.D. Thoreau

“Unless your heart, your soul, and your whole being are behind every decision you make, the words from your mouth will be empty, and each action will be meaningless. Truth and confidence are the roots of happiness.” -Emerson

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." -Emerson

"Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live." -Margaret Fuller

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what is the difference between modernism and postmodernism in art?

Posted by admin - Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Firstly, what exactly is postmodernism and modernism in art?- I’ve read lots of art books but still couldn’t clarify it in my head.
How do you tell from a painting if the art piece is based on postmodernism or modernism? e.g. are there any subjects or colours that are distinctively modernism? etc

thank you

It really has to do with when and why it was made. Modernism was the first time around – circa 1911-1975. Post -Modernism was more recent – and I say was, because it is over, and is a pastiche of ideas and commentary on modernism. Modernism is more about formal visual concerns and post-modernism is about both structure and commentary.

A modernist piece will have everything harmonious and sort of pointing to the same conclusion, and post-modernist will be a mixture of elements that seem to mix old and new.
I can only think of an example in architecture, but here is one-
Frank Lloyd Wright made modernist buildings which were designed down to the last detail with a unified viewpoint. Post-modernism in architecture spawned clunky buildings like malls, where the elements- boxes, arches, angles, textures, patterns, and colours are stacked up like components- they look ‘modern’ but have no cohesive philosophy behind them.

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Modernism in Of Mice and Men and A Farewell to Arms?

Posted by admin - Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

I need to compare "Of Mice and Men" to "A Farewell to Arms" using modernism in two ways.

I have one already, the struggles of the American dream.

Any ideas for another modernistic quality in Of Mice and Men and A Farewell to Arms?

A Farewell to Arms features an American man and an English woman who meet in Italy during World War I. They both work tending the wounded during World War I. And when there’s pain involved, we are all from the same country. The country of pain.

Of Mice and Men features men who are lonely, trying to find their way and survive.

From Shmoop

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What was the modernism literary movement in England? and where can i find good information on it?

Posted by admin - Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

I’m doing a research project on Modernism in England. can somesome please describe what modernist literature is and also, can you suggest any good websites or books where i can find more information on this topic?

Modernism as a literary movement reached its height in Europe between 1910 and 1920, and addressed aesthetic problems similar to those found in non-literary forms of contemporaneous Modernist art, such as painting. Gertrude Stein’s abstract writings, for example, have often been compared to the fragmentary and multi-perspectival Cubism.

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