Postmodern Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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postmodern
[poสstหmษrdษn ]
Definition
art, literature, culture
Postmodern refers to a style or movement that emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the principles of modernism. It is characterized by a general suspicion of grand narratives and ideologies, embracing instead irony, playfulness, and a mix of styles and ideas. In art and literature, postmodernism often employs self-referentiality and intertextuality, blurring the boundaries between high and low culture. It questions the very nature of reality and representation, leading to a more fragmented and decentralized approach to meaning.
Synonyms
contemporary, eclectic, ironic.
Examples of usage
- Postmodern architecture challenges traditional design.
- Many postmodern novels play with narrative structure.
- The postmodern era sees a questioning of authority.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Postmodern literature often features fragmented narratives and unreliable narrators, challenging readers to find their own meaning.
- Authors like Thomas Pynchon and Don DeLillo are famous for blending history, fiction, and meta-narratives, creating layers of meaning.
- Books like 'Slaughterhouse-Five' by Kurt Vonnegut question time and reality, merging different genres and styles.
Art
- In visual arts, postmodernism is characterized by mixing media, styles, and parody, as seen in the works of artists like Andy Warhol.
- 'Deconstructivism' in architecture, which involves fragmented forms and unexpected angles, is a key postmodern architectural expression.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like Jean-Franรงois Lyotard argue that postmodern thought rejects grand narratives, focusing instead on localized, diverse truths.
- This shift in thinking emphasizes skepticism towards authority and meta-narratives, advocating for multiple perspectives.
Pop Culture
- Postmodern influences are evident in film, where directors like Quentin Tarantino mix genres and reference older films, creating new experiences.
- The TV show 'The Simpsons' uses satire and pastiche, blending different styles to critique society in a postmodern way.
Origin of 'postmodern'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'postmodern' began in art criticism in the 1970s, indicating a movement away from established styles.
- It combines 'post', meaning after, with 'modern', which refers to a period focused on new and innovative ideas.
The term 'postmodern' began to appear in the mid-20th century, primarily in the fields of architecture and literature. Initially, it was used to describe structures and styles that defied the strict rules of modernism, which was dominant in the early 20th century. The prefix 'post-' indicates an era that follows and reacts to, modernismโs ideals of rationality, progress, and the belief in a singular narrative. Key figures such as Jean-Franรงois Lyotard and Jacques Derrida were instrumental in shaping postmodern thought, particularly in philosophy and critical theory. The movement gained momentum in the late 1960s and 1970s, expanding into various disciplines, including visual arts, music, and cultural studies. Today, postmodernism is seen as a complex and often contentious framework through which contemporary culture is analyzed.