European
Literature
Stem A- Group 4
ROMANTICISM & REALISM,
MODERNISM & POSTMODERNISM,, THE
NOTABLE AUTHORS AND THEIR WORKS
Romanticism (late-18th to mid-
19th Century)
This period was a movement away from
the enlightenment focus of reason and
logic, focusing more on imagination and
emotions instead.
Key characteristics of this period include
an interest in the common man and
childhood, emotions and feelings, the awe
of nature, emphasis on the individual,
myths, and the importance of the
imagination.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749- 1832)
best known for his monumental work,
"Faust."A Tradegy (1808). This epic two-
part drama explores profound themes of
human nature, knowledge, and the eternal
quest for meaning.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772- 1834)
a prominent English Romantic poet, is renowned
for his enigmatic poem "Kubla Khan: Or, A Vision
in a Dream: A Fragment." Published in 1816. It is a
testament to Coleridge's imaginative power and
his exploration of the subconscious.
Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)
a prominent Romantic poet, he renowned
for his passionate and often rebellious
works. One of his most celebrated poems
is "Ode to the West Wind." written in 1819.
John Keats (1795-1821)
a celebrated Romantic poet, is renowned for
his lyrical beauty and exploration of themes
such as love, beauty, and mortality. One of
his most famous works is "Ode to Psyche."
Victor Hugo (1802-1885)
"Les Misérables" a
French epic
historical novel,
first published in
1862, that is
considered one of
the greatest novels
of the 19th century.
Realism (mid-19th to early
20th Century)
Scientific objectivity and observation were
used to influence literature during the
period of realism.
Realism often confronted readers with the
harsh realities that life had to offer.
This movement rejected the idealization of
nature, the poor, love, and polite society
during the romantic period and instead
showed the dark side of life.
Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880)
Known for realistic portrayals of everyday
life
"Madame Bovary", a novel, published in
1857 which explores the struggles of a
woman seeking fulfillment in a restrictive
society.
Honoré de Balzac (1799–1850)
Considered the father of French realism,
he created "La Comédie humaine,"
(1829-48) vast collection of novels and
stories depicting French society in the
19th century.
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)
An Russian writer, famous for epic
novels like "War and Peace," (1869)
which delve into the complexities of
war, peace, and human relationships.
Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881)
Known for psychological realism, one of
his famous works is "Crime and
Punishment" (1866) explore the dark side
of human nature and the consequences
of sin.
Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)
Known for master of short
stories
One of his notable work is
"The Necklace" (1884),
often focuses on the ironic
and sometimes tragic
aspects of human
behavior.
Modernism (late 19th to mid-
20th century)
Like the period of Realism, Modernism
was also critical of middle class society
and morality, but wasn't concerned by
social issues like Realism was.
Modernism was characterized as
having a concern for the aesthetic
Modernist Authors
Virginia Woolf ( 1882- 1941)
James Joyce (1882-1941)
T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)
William Faulkner (1897- 1962)
Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
Virginia Woolf ( 1882- 1941)
Known for her stream-of-consciousness
writing style, exploring inner thoughts and
emotions.
To the Lighthouse (1927), delves into the
memories and relationships of a family over
time.
James Joyce (1882-1941)
A pioneer of modernist literature, one of
his famous works is "Ulysses" (1992), are
known for their complex language,
innovative structure, and exploration of
consciousness.
T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)
A poet and playwright
The Wasteland (1992), landmark work of
modernist poetry, reflecting the
disillusionment and fragmentation of post-
World War I society.
William Faulkner (1897- 1962)
Master of Southern Gothic, his work like
"The Sound and the Fury" (1929), uses
fragmented narratives and non-linear
storytelling to explore themes of family,
history, and the American South.
Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
Known for his surreal, one of
his famous works "The Trial"
(1925) tells the story of a man
accused of a crime without
knowing what he's done wrong,
reflecting themes of alienation
and bureaucracy.
Postmodernism (mid-20th
century to present)
Postmodern literature is a form of
literature which is marked, both
stylistically and ideologicaly, by a reliance
on such literary conventions as
fragmentation, paradox, unrellable-
narrators, often unrealistic and downright
impossible plots, games, parody.
paranoia, dark humor and authorial self-
reference.
Jean Baudrillard (1929-2007)
A French philosopher and sociologist, he explored
the impact of media and technology on culture
and reality. "Simulacres et Simulation" (1981)
examines how simulations and signs have become
increasingly detached from reality.
Thomas Pynchon (87 yrs old)
Known for his complex and often humorous novels
that explore themes of paranoia, conspiracy, and
the absurdity of modern life.
"Gravity's Rainbow" (1937)is a sprawling,
postmodern masterpiece set during World War II.
Margaret Atwood (age 84 years)
A Canadian novelist and poet, her work often
deals with feminist issues, dystopian futures,
and the power of language. "The Handmaid's
Tale" (1985), is a chilling dystopian novel
about a totalitarian society where women are
forced into servitude.
Don DeLillo (age 87 years)
An American novelist known for his
exploration of consumerism, media, and the
anxieties of modern life. "White Noise" (1985)
examines the impact of technology and
media on our perception of reality.
Umberto Eco (1932-2016)
An Italian novelist, philosopher,
and semiotician, his work often
blends historical fiction,
mystery, and intellectual
discourse.
"The Name of the Rose" (1980) is
a historical mystery set in a
medieval monastery, exploring
themes of knowledge, power,
and the nature of truth.
Conclusion
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