American Modernist Literature: 5 Recommendations for Students

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A choice of the best books for modernist literature can be a great challenge, especially if not guided well. However, if you do proper research, you recognize that modernists live in an era that is characterized by change, thus requiring a change in the rules of reading and writing to embrace coherence and clarity of the content. 

In choosing the best books, review the content, and clearly establish the principles behind the book that you want to read. Below are five recommendations for your reading.

The Waste Land by T.S Eliot (1922)

This is a poetic modernization book that provides literature about post-war despondency. The author uses disconnected images and various snippets such as Shakespeare, Sanskrit, Jazz tunes, and Ovid to capture attention and encourage reading. This can enhance your understanding as it brings out the message clearly, especially if you desire to pursue poetry as your career. 

The “Waste Land” represents very profound insights into modernist literature that brings out heart-pounding effusion, faith, and philosophy. You can start reading it during the earlier years of your learning in college so that you have enough time to re-read it as a guide to make a credible review.

After reading these wonderful books, you would certainly want to present an essay in the classroom. With some simple guidance, you can come out with flying colors. All you need is some self-motivation to cover the book and you can also ask for assignment by Writix to complete the tasks. Professional writers know the work in and out and are the right people to get suitable help. They know how to work with students’ assignments and writing an essay or a book review to help your learning process is their main job.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (1899)

The author embraces and brings out clearly the “civilized” culture through a layered and nested narrative. The book is featured very cryptic language to bring out the tale of corrupt imperialism, bringing out clear comparison between London and Africa that is considered “places of darkness.”

The Heart of Darkness comments on racism and imperialism, which are major concerns in the world today. It is considered one of the top-rated novels for students in the 20th century as it has been re-published and also translated into various languages. Conrad’s conclusion is quite interesting compared to that of other books under similar themes. 

Ulysses by James Joyce (1922)

“Ulysses” narrates a story about a couple that was estranged and a young man, constantly linking the present with past happenings as well as one character with another. This novel is a must-read for any American modernist as it gives historical and philosophical references to bring out the message. The book is also bawdy, playful, hilarious, and quite interesting. 

It is easy to know the characters because the author consciously simplifies the content. The narrative tricks are also easy to understand, making it an ideal reference book while writing an essay. If you are an active reader, the book will make sense to you and in this way, you can be able to write a review on this book.

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (1927)

This is a novel about perception, roles of gender, aesthetics, time, and death, based on compelling characters. “To the Lighthouse” brings out shocking revelations supported by lyrics and puzzles. It is a unique novel due to its sheer beauty and formal invention that makes it suitable for modernists.

Most of the content is based on observations and thoughts with little dialogue with close to no action. Childhood emotions are captured in the theme and adult relationships highlighted. The book is rated among the best novels in modern literature and has commanded good reviews from readers in the past.

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (1930)

This book is quite comic and brings out fifteen characters who think about a matriarch at the point of death. Faulkner gives an account of the odyssey of the Bundren family to burry Addie and the mother. Each of the family members, including Addie, narrates the story, bringing out emotions in the form of a dark comedy and deep pathos.

“As I Lay Dying’ is an influential novel for American modernists in terms of drama, style, and structure. It is, therefore, a true representation of a 20th century classic to help learners who aspire to take literature as an area of specialization in college.

Conclusion

American modernist literature requires that you focus on thorough and continuous reading and re-reading with a lot of curiosity regarding the principles. Read a book that is most relevant to you, depending on your area of study. Don’t forget to go through the book review to get insights into how others have benefited from the book and how it can be of help to you as an individual.

Author’s Bio:

Emma Rundle works in a private college as an associate professor and provides online classes to international students. She is also a part-time academic writer and helps native and foreign students in completing their thesis and dissertations. In her free time, she listens to jazz music, reads autobiographies and relaxes by practicing yoga.

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