Modernity and Contemporary Classics
The 20th century marked a revolution in literature, bringing new narratives and questions about society and the human psyche. Oscar Wilde, with The Picture of Dorian Gray, explored vanity and moral decadence, while Bram Stoker, in Dracula, consolidated the myth of the modern vampire.
In Germany, Hermann Hesse brought philosophical and existential reflections with Steppenwolf and Siddhartha, influencing generations of readers. Narrative experimentation reached its peak with Ulysses, by James Joyce, one of the most complex novels in modern literature.
In the United States, F. Scott Fitzgerald, in The Great Gatsby, captured the glamour and emptiness of the Jazz Age. In England, Virginia Woolf innovated with the stream of consciousness in To the Lighthouse and Mrs. Dalloway, exploring female subjectivity and time.
Social criticism also gained strength. George Orwell, with Animal Farm and 1984, denounced the dangers of totalitarianism and political manipulation, becoming a reference for discussions about freedom and power. The 20th century redefined literature, producing works that continue to impact readers and inspire debate to this day.
Did you know??