Existentialism was the leading philosophy of thought to which most modernist writers adhered.
This statement is partially true. While existentialism did have a significant influence on many modernist writers, it is not accurate to say that it was the leading philosophy of thought to which most modernist writers adhered. Modernist literature was characterized by a wide range of philosophical and artistic influences, including but not limited to existentialism.
Existentialism emerged as a prominent philosophical movement in the mid-20th century, championed by thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Martin Heidegger. Its central themes revolved around the individual's existence, freedom, and responsibility in a seemingly absurd and meaningless world.
Many modernist authors, such as Franz Kafka, Samuel Beckett, and Virginia Woolf, explored existential themes in their works, often questioning the nature of reality, identity, and the human condition. The existentialist philosophy resonated with the alienation and disillusionment that characterized the modernist era.
However, it is important to note that many modernist writers also drew inspiration from various other philosophical and artistic movements. The modernist period witnessed a rich intellectual and artistic landscape, with writers and artists exploring diverse ideas and styles. For example, some modernist writers, like T.S. Eliot, were heavily influenced by religious and mythological traditions. Others, such as James Joyce, incorporated elements of Freudian psychoanalysis into their works.
Therefore, while existentialism was indeed influential among modernist writers, it would be an oversimplification to assert that it was the sole or leading philosophy of thought adhered to by most modernist writers.