Like the modernists, postmodern writers focused on subjective experience rather than objective cultural norms.
Yes.
To understand the focus of postmodern writers on subjective experience rather than objective cultural norms, let's break it down into two parts: the modernist and postmodernist perspectives.
1. Modernism:
Modernism was a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Modernist writers sought to break away from traditional forms and explore new ways of depicting reality in literature. They emphasized individualism, self-expression, and the examination of subjective experiences.
Modernist writers often challenged societal norms, questioned authority, and rejected the idea of a single, objective truth. They were interested in exploring the inner thoughts and emotions of their characters and presenting a more fragmented, subjective view of reality.
2. Postmodernism:
Postmodernism, which emerged in the mid-20th century, can be seen as a reaction to modernism. Postmodern writers took the emphasis on subjectivity even further and often rejected the idea of a single, objective reality altogether. They strived to deconstruct traditional narrative forms and explore the complexity and diversity of human experiences.
Postmodern writers embraced a more fragmented, non-linear narrative structure, incorporating multiple perspectives, unreliable narrators, and intertextuality (references to other texts) into their works. They often emphasized the relativity of truth, highlighting how different individuals or groups can have contrasting interpretations of reality.
Overall, while modernist writers focused on subjective experience and challenged objective cultural norms, postmodern writers took these ideas to a more extreme level, deconstructing traditional forms and questioning the very concept of objective truth. By doing so, they aimed to highlight the diversity and complexity of human experiences and challenge the dominance of any single perspective or cultural norm.