Table of contentsIntroductionThe origin and essence of modernismModernist literature and artConclusionReferencesIntroductionThe advent of modernism in the early 20th century marked a significant departure from to established standards in art, literature and culture. Shaped by a tumultuous period defined by cultural shocks like World War I and World War II, modernism emerged as a response to the profound disruption and disorientation experienced by Western civilization. This movement, which lasted approximately 65 years, represented a deliberate departure from traditional perspectives and sought to redefine individual identity and expression in the face of profound upheaval. This essay will explore the history and development of modernism in literature and other art forms. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Origin and Essence of ModernismModernism, born of a world deeply shaken by historical events, served as a vehicle to artists and thinkers to fight against the complexities of their time. It was born in response to the horrors of the First World War, a conflict so devastating that it challenged the very notion of civilization. This cataclysmic event was supposed to be “the war to end all wars,” but its unimaginable human toll and destruction shook the foundations of society. Subsequently, the rapid arrival of World War II within a single generation further eroded the morale and peace of Western civilization. This persistent discontent sparked a new wave of thought, artistic and literary expression, giving rise to modernism. The essence of modernism lay in its vehement rejection of established conventions and customs. It symbolically challenged “instrumental reason and market culture,” becoming an instrument through which individuals could confront the profound emotional, mental, and physical upheavals that characterized the era (Armstrong 4). It provided a platform for self-discovery in the face of relentless instability and unpredictable change, resisting the demand for conformity in a world marked by upheaval. Modernism embodied the bold effort to create space for “individuality, creativity, and aesthetic value” in an increasingly homogenized and bourgeois society (Armstrong 4). This movement can be considered as an act of cultural rebellion, motivated by a feeling of "cultural despair" which recognizes the inner freedom of individuals while freeing themselves from outdated traditions, unsuitable for a world marked by technological progress and global conflicts . Modernist literature and art, experimentation and individualism served as a rallying cry for modernism, linking diverse authors and artists in a common quest. Modernist writers and creators consciously embraced change and transformation, upending traditional art forms. This innovative spirit was expressed in various fields, including painting (Waldo Pierce), literature (Gertrude Stein), dance (Isadora Duncan), music (Igor Stravinsky) and architecture (Frank Lloyd Wright). James Joyce's "Ulysses," for example, adopted a stream-of-consciousness structure that revolutionized novel writing, immersing readers in the depths of human consciousness. The narrative structure challenged conventional norms, prompting readers to question even the most fundamental aspects of storytelling. Similarly, Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" abandoned narrative conventions..