Taylor+G

1. Modernism typically encompasses the most controversial issues that take place in whatever is considered modern at the time. Modernism is mainly found in literature, and philosophy. A big part of the philosophy aspect is that there is no god. Why should people's lives be dictated and controlled by someone who cannot be proved of existence? This is how many modernists think. This sort of thinking arose and really flourished in the enlightenment period, when people truly started to stop relying on church and religion as a get-away answer to everything. Another place modernism is found is in literature. A lot of people to an interest in putting down their thoughts about the most controversial issues of their time, and voicing their opinions and philosophies. "Why tuck these issues away and never speak of them when they are happening all around us?" (no author). Things such as racism, and sexual abuse were written about very much in the past eighty to ninety years. Topics such as these are what are considered modern, and are what modernism encompasses. - Taylor Grenier

3. In this poem, "The Love Song" by Alfred Prufrock, uses Modernism in a distinct way. "Do I dare disturb the universe," he states. He ignores the "fait," this pre-planed life supposedly given to him by God, and refers to the Universe. He questions himself about his appearances, and his self conscience, about trying to impress a women. He wonders if he should dare toy with what cards he has been dealt by the plan of the universe. This is clearly a modernist way of thinking. Nowhere in this poem does Prufrock talk about the plans of God. However, he does talk about the universe, and he talks about the things that happen in his life, just the way they do. As if the things in his life happen by random, not by some pre-planed act of a higher being. Alfred Prufrock displays fantastic modernism in this poem. -Taylor Grenier

4. Existentialism is the philosophy and importance of existing. In the philosophy of existentialism, existence precedes essence, meaning that one should only be concerned with where he or she is going with their life and how they live it. People should not live their lives based on what they are told, nor based on how society dictates they should. "I think; Therefore I exist" (Descartes). Descartes believe that one's inner persona should reflect their outer, not the other way around. The time at which one will question their purpose and existence, is "at the moment of conflict between ethics and religious faith" (Sören). When people start to realize that everything they've grown up to know and understand, is suddenly flawed, they will then start to question what reality truly is and means, and more so, where they will go from there. When one starts down a road of existentialism, many will fail, but the ones that make it through, will ultimately lead a life of solum and selfishness. It is when one reaches existentialism that they realize how alone people are in the world and that the only important one in the world relevant to them, is their self. Existentialism is all about the importance of one's own existence, not anyone else's, because in the ultimate scheme of the universe, one person's life will never make a big enough impact to change it's course. -Taylor Grenier