20th Century Literature

 Major Literary Trends During the 20th Century

1. Modernism and Post-Modernism: These were major trends in 20th-century literature that emerged due to changes in industry, science, and technology, leading to experimentation with new forms of expression and styles.

2. Australian Poetry:

   - Originated from shared jokes and anecdotes, which later incorporated rhyme and meter.

   - Early Australian poetry was a cathartic release for inmates expressing emotions they couldn't voice publicly.

   - Themes of melancholy and empathy for others were prevalent.

   - Bush Ballads emerged from convict origins, representing Australian culture and history.

   - Notable poets: Michale Massey Robinson, George Barrington, Frank the Poet, Henry Lawson, and Andrew ‘Banjo’ Paterson.

3. Australian Identity:

   - Late to connect with other countries due to geographical isolation.

   - Poets fantasized about Australia’s future and identity.

   - Emphasis on Australia's scenery, less on its people and character.

   - Notable poets: Bernard O’Dowd, W.C. Wentworth, Dorothea Mackellar, Adam Linsay Gordon, Henry Kendall, Christopher Brennan.

4. Modernist and Postwar Australian Poetry:

   - Kenneth Slessor and R.D. Fitz Gerald ushered in modernism.

   - Literary groups like the Jindyworobaks and Angry Penguins promoted Australian identity and experimental approaches.

   - Postwar literary figures: A.D. Hope, Judith Wright, with a focus on social, moral concerns, and realism.

5. Aboriginal Australian Literature:

   - Emerged significantly in the 1960s, raising political concerns and injustices against Aboriginals.

   - Poets like Oodegeroo Noonuccal, Kevin Gilbert, Colin Johnson, Jack Davis, Graham Dixon, Robert Walker made significant contributions.

6. Twentieth Century Literary Forms/Genres:

   - Edwardian Literature (1900–1911): Bridged Victorian tradition and modernism. Notable writers: Arnold Bennett, Joseph Conrad, George Bernard Shaw.

   - Modernism: Diverse movement emphasizing rhythms, internal structures of language, and disillusioning realities.

   - Existentialism (1940s–1990s): Explored human existence in a meaningless universe. Notable writers: Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Michael Ende, Chuck Palahniuk.

   - Expansive Poetry (1980s–1990s): Moved beyond traditional free-verse and explored measured speech, rhyme, and narrative.

   - Expressionism (1910s–1920s): Used unconventional grammar, symbolic imagery, bold exaggerations. Notable writers: Georg Kaiser, Ernst Toller, Eugene O’Neill, Elmer Rice.

   - Harlem Renaissance (1920s–1930s): African-American writers emphasizing civil rights and equality. Notable writers: Alain Locke, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston.

   - Naturalism (1860s–1910s): Explored human behavior scientifically and objectively. Notable writers: Émile Zola, Stephen Crane, Theodore Dreiser.

   - Neo-Futurism (1980s–1990s): Focused on audience interaction and chance in performances. Notable group: Greg Allen's Chicago-based theater group.

These notes provide an overview of major literary trends, movements, and forms during the 20th century, highlighting key writers and their contributions  across different regions and genres.