A Thematic Exploration of Twentieth-Century Western Literature (China Perspectives)

By: Jiang Chengyong

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Synopsis: The twentieth century witnessed dramatic changes in terms of the structure of society, economics, politics, science and technology, driving a change in western literature from traditional to modern: old value systems were shattered; writing approaches and aesthetics changed; writers began to explore the psychological world and expand the discussion of man and modern civilization. This title takes classic literature by European and American authors of the twentieth-century as research objects in order to comprehensively explore their thoughts, values, aesthetics and narratives. Six major themes are used as units for analysis—existential meaning, self-identity, war and human nature, growing confusion, love and marriage, and anti-Utopia. The authors argue that the six themes extend the themes of traditional literature and epitomize the unique characteristics of twentieth-century western literature. The book will be of interest to students and scholars of literature, especially Western literature and twentieth-century literature.