Modernism Case

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From the beginning of the twentieth century through the end of 1965 is considered the Modernist Period. This period is characterized by the sudden change in the traditional ways people interacted and viewed the world. In the past individualism and experimentation had been frowned upon, but in the Modern age it was encouraged. The horrors of World War I seemed to jolt people into a different way of thinking. Many people were unable to cope with the effects of the war. As a result, they began to view people, themselves, and the world in a different light. As a result, one of the central ideals of Modernism was the evaluation of self and the conscious. Unlike the Romantics, Modernist moved away from the examination of nature. Modernist writers promoted a new way of life by breaking traditions. The believed past ideals were keeping society from making progress. The philosophy of existentialism was one major aspect of modernist writers. Existentialist principles were conveyed in two of Faulkner's writings-"Barn Burning" and "A Rose for Emily". William Faulkner was definitely a Modernist writer. Through his writing he reacted to established social views, the experience of alienation, loss, and despair, and embraced the belief that success came through inner strength.

"A Rose for Emily" conveys the effects of alienation, loss, and despair. When Emily's father dies, she turns into a recluse. She was even in denial about his death. Emily was solely dependent on her father. Because she had been sheltered by her father, she was easy prey for Homer Barron. Upon realizing how Homer was manipulating her, Emily felt she must kill Homer. Emily's inability to let go of Homer and her father, even after their death, only reinforces Faulkner's existentialist theme. Ironically, Emily's triumphant spirit is released by killing Homer Barron.

Dedication to family and morals was very important during Faulkner's time. Ironically, in Barn Burning Sarty, has to decide which is more important. Sarty's father tells him that he must "stick up" for his blood. In other words, Sarty must support his father whether he was right or wrong. Sarty struggled with this because he knew he father was morally