Feminism and Realism in Literature

Modernism in Literature

• A movement emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles of writing
• Emphasizes new forms of expression, experimentation, and inner self/consciousness

Modernist Literature Characteristics

• Individualism: Focuses on individual experiences and inner thoughts
• Experimentation: Uses innovative narrative techniques like stream of consciousness
• Absurdity: Themes often reflect the absurdity and disillusionment of the modern world
• Symbolism: Extensive use of symbols to convey deeper meanings
• Formalism: Attention to form and structure, often breaking traditional methods

Historical Influence on Modernism

• World War I significantly impacted Modernism
• Widespread disillusionment with traditional values and beliefs
• Prompted writers to explore new ways of understanding and interpreting reality

Prominent Modernist Authors and Works

• James Joyce: "Ulysses," "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man"
• Virginia Woolf: "Mrs. Dalloway," "To the Lighthouse"
• T.S. Eliot: "The Waste Land"
• William Faulkner: "The Sound and the Fury"

Narrative Techniques in Modernist Literature

• Stream of Consciousness: Depicts the continuous flow of a character's thoughts and feelings
• Fragmentation: Breaking up the narrative into non-linear sequences
• Multiple Perspectives: Using diverse viewpoints to tell a story

1984: Main Theme and Protagonist

• Main Theme: The dangers of totalitarianism; manipulation of truth, control of thoughts, and suppression of individuality
• Protagonist: Winston Smith
• Role: Works at the Ministry of Truth, altering historical records for the Party. Secretly despises the Party and dreams of rebellion

Significance of "Big Brother"

• Figurehead of the Party, symbolizing omnipresent surveillance and control over citizens
• Slogan "Big Brother is watching you" reinforces constant monitoring

Party's Control and Manipulation of Truth in 1984

• Control through the Ministry of Truth
• Constant rewriting of historical records to suit the current narrative
• Ensures the Party is always seen as infallible and omniscient

Role of the Thought Police in 1984

• Detect and punish thoughtcrime (any thought against the Party)

Feminism

• A social, political, and economic movement advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all genders
• Aims to address and dismantle systemic inequalities faced by women and marginalized groups
• Continues to be relevant due to persistent gender inequalities, including wage gaps, violence, and limited opportunities

Key Achievements of Feminism

• Voting rights for women
• Reproductive rights
• Legal protections against gender discrimination
• Increased awareness and action against gender-based violence
• Greater representation of women in various sectors

Handmaid in Gilead

• Assigned to bear children for couples unable to conceive
• Forced into this role due to proven fertility

Offred's Situation and Choices

• Forced into the role of Handmaid after fleeing to Canada
• Experiences severe consequences, both personally and professionally, for her actions

Commander's Interest in Offred

• Commander seeks private meetings for activities forbidden to women in Gilead
• Such as reading, playing games, and conversing
• Suggests he misses freedoms of the past.

Offred's Relationship with Nick

• Faces consequences regardless of pregnancy or not
• Desires for Nick highlight that totalitarian regimes cannot completely suppress desires.

What Happened to Offred's Daughter

• Daughter was taken from her to be raised in a better situation.

Realism in Literature

• Literary movement emphasizing portraying everyday life, ordinary people, middle class characters, ethical/social issues and vernacular language.

Common Themes of Realism in Literature

• Social class and mobility, ethical dilemmas, and moral questions, struggles of ordinary people, societal changes on individuals.

Notable Realist Authors

• Gustave Flaubert
• Leo Tolstoy
• Charles Dickens
• Henry James

Significance of Realism in Theatre

• Aiming for authentic, relatable audience experience
• Realistic sets, costumes, and dialogue focus on everyday circumstances, and social issues

Realism's Influence on Modern Literature

• Laid groundwork for character development, social issues, psychological depth
• Influenced later movements like Naturalism and Modernism

Postcolonial Literature

• A literary movement reflecting the social, political, and economic impacts of colonization
• Common themes include identity and belonging, resistance and liberation, hybridity, and cultural mixing
• Critiques colonial power structures, and reclaiming indigenous cultures/histories

Concept of "Mimicry"

• Coined by Homi Bhabha
• The way colonized people imitate colonizers' culture, language, and behavior
• This is both a form of resistance and a tool for survival
• Can undermine colonial authority

Critique of "Universal Modernity"

• Postcolonial theorists argue against a singular, Eurocentric view of modernity
• Instead, they advocate for recognition of multiple modernities reflecting diverse cultural experiences, histories and contexts

Decolonization of the Mind

• Coined by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
• Process of rejecting colonial cultural and psychological dominance
• Involves reclaiming indigenous languages, traditions, and ways of thinking to restore identity and autonomy

This quiz explores the concepts and misconceptions of feminism alongside the characteristics and influences of Realism in literature. Participants will examine key aspects of gender inequality, intersectional feminism, and the lasting impact of Realism on modern literary movements. Test your knowledge on these vital topics and their relevance today.