Context of modern texts

​​In a nutshell

Understanding the context of modern texts is essential to fully appreciate the themes, messages, and artistic choices made by the authors and playwrights. By exploring the historical events, social changes, and cultural shifts that shaped the modern period, you can gain deeper insights into the literature you encounter. This summary will explore some key aspects of the modern period and provide examples from popular modern prose and drama texts that you are likely to encounter in your studies.

The impact of the World Wars (1914-1945)

The modern period was heavily influenced by the devastation of the World Wars. The horrors of war and their aftermath shaped the themes, characterisations, and narrative styles of many modern texts.

Example

The play "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley is set in 1912 but written in 1945. The story explores class divide and responsibility, reflecting Priestley's concern about social inequality heightened by the experience of World War II.

Social and political changes

The modern era witnessed significant social and political changes, including the suffrage movement, civil rights, and the rise of socialism. These changes often found their way into the themes and messages of modern texts.

Example

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Haddon (adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens) features a protagonist with autism, Christopher Boone. The novel/play raises awareness about mental health and societal perceptions of disability, reflecting the evolving attitudes towards neurodiversity in the modern age.

Class struggles and inequality

The struggle between different social classes and the widening gap between rich and poor was a significant theme in modern literature.

Example

In "Blood Brothers" by Willy Russell, the play explores the lives of twin brothers from different social backgrounds. This tale of two families emphasises the impact of social class and economic disparities on human lives.

Loss of innocence and human nature

The modern period delved into the darker aspects of human nature, often questioning the inherent goodness of humanity and exposing the potential for violence and chaos.

Example

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding portrays the descent into savagery of a group of British schoolboys stranded on an uninhabited island. This novel examines the fragility of civilisation and the potential for evil within individuals.

Political allegory and dystopia

Modern texts frequently used allegory and dystopian settings to comment on real-world political events and warn against totalitarianism.

Example

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a political allegory where farm animals rebel against their human farmer, creating an animal-led society that gradually devolves into tyranny, mirroring the events of the Russian Revolution.

Ethical dilemmas and science fiction

The modern period explored ethical questions arising from scientific advancements and their potential consequences on human life.

Example

"Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro is a dystopian novel set in an alternate England where human clones are raised for organ donation. The story raises ethical questions about the value of life and the boundaries of science.

Gothic literature and the supernatural

The modern period witnessed a resurgence of Gothic literature and a fascination with the supernatural, often exploring the psychological depths of fear and the unknown.

Example

"The Woman in Black" by Susan Hill is a classic Gothic ghost story that employs haunting atmospheres and eerie settings to create a sense of dread and suspense.

Education and cultural identity

The modern era also explored the role of education and the shaping of cultural identity.

Example

"The History Boys" by Alan Bennett is a play set in a Sheffield grammar school, focusing on the struggles of a group of bright students preparing for their university entrance exams. The play delves into the value of education and the various forms of knowledge.
​