SCAND ST 276 Study Guide - Final Guide: Modern Breakthrough, Georg Brandes, Decadent Movement
Document Summary
Modern breakthrough time: 1870-1890 (peak) term established by georg brandes: romanticism is not about our lives, but about our dreams. A belief in god is replaced by a belief in science and reason. The doctor/ scientist is replaces the priest/minister as truth speaker - at least for male authors. The world is explainable and logical- not your upbringing determines who you are, but your genes: biological determinism. Realism and naturalism- literature tries to give a true picture of life. An interest in social issues such as feminism, sexual morality, marriage, class struggle. Social problems can be solved in public debate. A belief in objectivity- it is possible to depict reality as it is- problem: how can you be objective when you have a social agenda. Effects of objectivity on style: 3rd person narrative, the narrative is authoritative (narrator knows everything), appeals to science to prove his/her point is right, invisible narrator.
