the 20th

century to
contemporary
 time period

• 1900-present
• 20th Century –
(1900 -2000)
• Contemporary
– (1975 –
present)
historical background
➤ increasing instability of society
imperialism as the reawakening of
a dominating spirit (Imperial
Federation)
➤ an absence of generally
accepted view of life
➤ a bewildering variety of
intellectual and material influence
➤ a reaction against Victorianism
➤ the usual overlapping of old and
new ideas
➤ a rapid advance of applied
The Edwardian Period
(1901-1914)
The Edwardian period is
sometimes imagined as
a romantic golden age
of long summer
afternoons and garden
parties, basking in a sun
that never sets on the
British Empire.
The Edwardian Literature
During this period,
writers explored class
differences,
experimented with old
styles of satire, narrative
poetry, and ballads, as
well as enjoying the
possibilities of realism.
The Edwardian Literature

FUTURIS
IMAGINISM M THE LOSS
GENERATIO
N
 Important Writers from the
Edwardian Period:
• E.M. Forester • G.K.
• Beatrix Potter • Chesterton
A.A. Milne
• Joseph
Conrad
• Rudyard
Kipling
 The Modernist Revolution
(1900-1945)
From 1908 to 1914 there
was a remarkably
productive period of
innovation and experiment
as novelists and poets
undertook, in anthologies
and magazines, to challenge
the literary conventions not
just of the recent past but of
The Modernist Revolution
(1900-1945)
The spirit of Modernism-a
radical and utopian spirit
stimulated by new ideas in
anthropology, psychology,
philosophy, political theory,
and psychoanalysis was in the
air, expressed rather mutedly
by the pastoral and often anti-
Modern poets of the Georgian
Most authoritative figures of
Anglo-American Modernism:
• T.S. Eliot

• D.H.
Lawrence
 World War I
The impact of World War I
upon the Anglo- American
Modernists has been
noted. In addition, the war
brought a variety of
responses from the more
traditionalist writers,
predominantly poets, who
saw action.
Effects World War I

➤lost generation
➤ depression
➤new naturalism
➤anti-Utopianism and fear
Writers from Word War I Period:

• Aldous
Huxley
• Richard
Aldington
• E.M. Forster
 1930’s Literature
Two trends stand out: first, the
impact of film on the writing of the
decade, not least on styles of visual
realization and dialogue, and,
second, the ubiquitous preoccupation
with questions of time, on the
psychological, historical, and even
 1930's literature

►Much of the writing of the 1930s was

bleak and pessimistic
➤Divisions of class and the burden of
sexual repression became common and
interrelated themes in the fiction of the
1930s
Famous Writers of the 1930’s:

• Evelyn
• Waugh
Lewis Grassic
Gibbon
• George
Orwell
 The literature of World War II
(1939-45)
The outbreak of war in 1939, as in 1914, ended an
era of great intellectual and creative exuberance.
Individuals were dispersed; the rationing of paper
affected the production of magazines and books;
and the poem and the short story, convenient
forms for men under arms, became the favoured
means of literary expression.
 Literature after 1945
Increased attachment to
religion most immediately
characterized literature
after World War II. This was
particularly perceptible in
authors who had already
established themselves
before the war.
 contemporary fiction
The writer opens
Contemporary fiction allows for
the story with a
description of the multiple meanings and multiple
setting that will be worlds, uses nontraditional forms, and
important to the comments upon itself. However, it
story. embraces traditional storytellers as
well as postmodern risk- takers.
contemporary nonfiction
Contemporary nonfiction has become a
field equal to fiction, though questions
about terminology and accuracy still give
rise to controversy.
New Journalism (or Literary Journalism)
has added personal and fictional
elements to nonfiction, enhancing its
popularity with today’s readers.
contemporary poetry
By the early 1950s, many writers
and readers felt that modernist
poetry – impersonal, allusive,
difficult – was no longer
appropriate. The times called for a
more personal and accessible
approach that challenged
complacency and convention.
writers after 1945
• William
• Golding
Muriel Spark
• Ted Hughes
• Terence Rattigan
The Quarrel
by: Eleanor Farjeon
I quarreled with my brother,
I don’t know what about,
One thing led to another
And somehow we fell out.

The start of it was slight,

The end of it was strong,
He said he was right,
I knew he was wrong!
We hated one another.
The afternoon turned black.
Then suddenly my brother
Thumped me on the back,

And said, “Oh, come on!

We can’t go on all night—
I was in the wrong.”
So he was in the right.
 Literary
IMAGERY: The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the

Devices
emotions of the brother and sister, such as “tears that fall
like rain” and “eyes that are like the sea.”

SYMBOLISM: The “wall” that separates the brother and

sister can be interpreted as a symbol of their pride and
the barrier they have created between them.

TONE: The poem has a melancholic and reflective tone,

highlighting the sadness and longing felt by the siblings.
 Theme
The theme of the poem is the
importance of family relationships
and the power of forgiveness.
Pride and
Prejudice
by: Jane Austen
 Introduct
The novel begins with the arrival of a

ion
wealthy bachelor, Mr. Bingley, to the
neighborhood, setting in motion the
romantic entanglements of the characters.
Elizabeth
Character
Bennet: The Mr. Bingley: A kind and amiable

s
intelligent and independent bachelor who falls in love with
Jane Bennet.
protagonist.
Jane Bennet: Elizabeth’s kind
Mr. Darcy: The wealthy and and gentle sister, who is also the
proud suitor of Elizabeth. object of Mr. Bingley’s affections.

Mr. Wickham: A charming but

deceitful militia officer who
deceives Elizabeth with his lies
about Mr. Darcy.
 Setting
The story takes place in early 19th century
England, mainly in the countryside, with
the settings of the Bennet family’s home,
Netherfield Park (Mr. Bingley’s estate), and
Pemberley (Mr. Darcy’s estate)
 Expositio
The novel introduces the Bennet family,

n
their social standing, and their financial
situation, which creates the pressure to
marry well. It also introduces Mr. Bingley
and his arrival at Netherfield Park, which
sets the plot in motion.
 Climax
The climax occurs when Elizabeth discovers
the truth about Mr. Darcy and Wickham. This
realization forces her to confront her own
prejudices and re-evaluate her feelings for
Mr. Darcy.
 Falling Action
Elizabeth and Darcy begin to understand
each other better, and their relationship
gradually shifts. Darcy works to overcome
his pride, while Elizabeth sheds her initial
prejudice.
 Resolution
The novel ends with the marriage of
Elizabeth and Darcy, along with the happy
unions of Jane and Bingley. It is a resolution
that signifies the triumph of love,
understanding, and personal growth.
IMAGERY: Austen uses
Literary
SYMBOLISM: The IRONY: Austen employs

Devices
vivid descriptions of landscape, particularly dramatic irony, where
characters’ Pemberley, symbolizes the reader knows more
appearances, their the beauty and than the characters,
clothing, and the grandeur associated creating humorous
natural surroundings to with Mr. Darcy’s moments and
create a rich and character. heightening the
immersive setting. suspense,
 Literary Devices
METAPHOR: Austen FLASHBACK: Austen TONE: The novel’s
uses metaphors to utilizes flashback to tone is witty,
describe the reveal the past satirical, and often
characters’ emotions events that have humorous, with
and thoughts, such shaped the moments of social
as comparing characters and their commentary and
Darcy’s pride to “a relationships. critique.
fortress”
 Theme
The novel explores themes of
love, marriage, social class,
prejudice, pride, and the
importance of personal growth.
 Symbolism
Mr. Darcy’s estate, Pemberley, is a
significant symbol of wealth,
refinement, and the potential for
personal growth. The landscape is
often used to reflect the inner states
of the characters.
Lob’s Girl
by: Joan Aiken
 Introductio
"Lob's Girl" is a heartwarming children's novel by

n
Joan Aiken that tells the story of a young girl
named Sandy and her extraordinary bond with a
dog named Lob. The story explores themes of
friendship, loyalty, and the importance of family.
Through a series of events, Sandy and Lob learn to
rely on each other for comfort and support,
showcasing the power of companionship in
overcoming adversity.
 Characters
 SANDY: The protagonist of the  The Pengelly Family: Sandy's
story, a five-year-old girl who is family, including her father Bert,
kind, compassionate, and mother Jean, and her older
adventurous. She is initially brother Don. They are a loving
apprehensive of Lob but quickly and supportive family, but they
develops a deep affection for him. are initially hesitant about Lob's
 LOB: A large and affectionate presence in their lives.
Alsatian dog who chooses Sandy  Mr. Dodsworth: Lob's owner, a
as his human companion. He is man who is initially reluctant to
loyal, protective, and full of part with his dog but ultimately
energy. realizes that Lob is better off with
the Pengelly family.
Characters
 AUNT
BECKY: Sandy's aunt,
a kind but slightly
eccentric woman who
is initially wary of dogs
but eventually warms
up to Lob.
 Setting
The story takes place in a Cornish fishing village
in England during the summer. The setting is
described in vivid detail, with descriptions of the
beach, the harbor, and the surrounding
countryside. The village provides a backdrop for
the story's events, highlighting the close-knit
community and the simple pleasures of life in a
small town.
 Expositio
The story begins with the introduction of the

n
Pengelly family and their daily routines. We learn
about Sandy's love for her grandmother, her close
relationship with her siblings, and the family's
reliance on fishing for their livelihood. The
exposition also introduces the character of Lob, who
arrives unexpectedly on the beach, setting the stage
for the main conflict of the story.
 Rising
The rising actions of the story involve the

Action
development of Sandy and Lob's relationship,
as well as the challenges they face in keeping
him. Sandy's family is initially hesitant about
Lob's presence, but she is determined to keep
him. The conflict intensifies when Lob's owner,
Mr. Dodsworth, arrives to take him home.
 Climax
The climax of the story occurs when Sandy
is hit by a truck and seriously injured. Lob,
who has been separated from her,
manages to find his way back to the
hospital, demonstrating his unwavering
loyalty and devotion.
 Falling
The falling actions of the story focus
Action
on Sandy's recovery and the efforts of
her family and friends to support her.
The story also reveals that Lob has
died in the accident, leaving Sandy
heartbroken.
 Resolutio
The resolution of the story is bittersweet. Sandy

n
recovers from her injuries, but she is deeply
saddened by the loss of Lob. The story ends
with a sense of closure as Sandy and her family
come to terms with Lob's death and the
enduring power of their friendship.
 Literary  PERSONIFICATION:
IMAGERY: Aiken uses SYMBOLISM: Lob

Devices
vivid imagery to represents loyalty, Aiken uses
personification to
create a sense of friendship, and the
give Lob human-like
place and unconditional love
qualities, such as his
atmosphere, between humans and ability to feel
drawing the reader animals. The sea emotions and
into the world of the symbolizes both danger understand Sandy's
story. and freedom, reflecting feelings.
the challenges and
rewards of life.
 Theme
The central theme of "Lob's Girl" is the
importance of friendship and loyalty. The story
shows how Sandy and Lob's bond helps them
overcome adversity and provides them with
comfort and support. The story also explores
the importance of family and the power of love
to heal.
LOB: Represents
Symbolism
The Sea:  The
loyalty, friendship, Symbolizes both Truck: Represe
and the danger and freedom, nts the forces of
unconditional love reflecting the change and
between humans challenges and disruption that can
and animals. rewards of life. disrupt our lives.
 Symbolism
 The Hospital: Symbolizes
the fragility of life and the
importance of care and support.
Thank You