Jordan+S

Modernism is...

1. A way of modern culture and thinking. Modernism can include cultural movements, art, and trends. Modern practice is aware of the past genres and makes new changes in order to present something new. It is always progressing. In order to practice modernism, one must have an original thought. I think originality is key to modernism. Each generation has their phase of style. These phases can change the perspective of those involved.

3. T.S. Eliot’s poem is modernist, because it portrays the author’s stream of consciousness. He feels alienated by his past relationships with women. The following exert shows his view on what women think of him: “They will say: How his hair is growing thin… how his arms and legs are thin!” These are hypothetical sayings, but they are his view of how the world sees him. Descartes said, “I think; therefore, I exist.” Alfred, the main character, exists to the female society how he thinks he does. The writing itself is modernist, because it is not traditional. It jumps around from thought to thought. The thoughts flow from one thing to the next and come to a final conclusion.

4. In order to be an Existentialist, one must make their existence a priority. The individual creates themselves. This is done through action. According to our notes, Existentialism is, "A group of attitudes that emphasizes existence rather than essence and sees the inadequacy of human reason to explain the enigma of the universe as the basic philosophical question.” Having an essence means that humans are placed into a larger whole. This does not allow for each person to have their own identity. Existentialists must elevate themselves above this state of essence through acts of freedom and self creation. When doing this, an existentialist identity is created.