Abstract The paper explores the life and literary pieces of Japanese writer and poet, Akutogawa Ryunosuke who was one of the first writers of the Japanese modernistmovement to be translated widely into English. The paper shows that Akutagawa is probably best known for his single short story "Rashomon", which inspired director Akira Kurosawa's film of that name in 1950. In order to understand the times in which Akutogawa lived and worked, the paper defines modernism and explains the difference between Japanese and Western modernism.
From the Paper "The stories that Akutagawa wrote and that Kurosawa adapted were in fact based on stories that had probably been compiled in the 10th century. Akutagawa would over the course of his short professional life adopt many ancient Japanese stories, seeming to prefer tales that were both Gothic and based on pre-modern elements. His settings, as grotesque and bizarre as any that Edgar Allan Poe could ever have dreamed up, would have struck his readers as standing in obvious contrast the to "civilized" state of Western-influenced 20th-century Japan."
Tags: Tokyo, Meiji, William, Morris, Arts, and, Crafts, Movement
Abstract This paper looks at the emergence of F. Scott Fitzgerald as a leader in the modernistmovement of literature. It looks at the defining characteristics of modernism and how the uniqueness and newness of Fitzgerald's style of writing put him in the forefront of modernist writers. Fitzgerald's famous works of art and the characters within them are used to aptly illustrate Fitzgerald as one who spearheaded the modernistmovement.
From the Paper "Modernist literature is also the result of the writer seeking to save mankind from the "deadening features" of what became known as everyday life. The Modern artist, according to Paul Lauter, editor of The Heath Anthology of American Literature, felt a need to "challenge and reinvigorate" the ever-growing urban, industrial society. (935) In order for this reinvigoration to be successful, new styles of writing were needed to express the new ideas and values. From this need, Modernism arose and became what one critic called a "tradition of the new" (935). However, more than anything, modernism meant breaking away from traditional responses and "predictable forms"."
Abstract The paper discusses T.S. Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral" and George Bernard Shaw's "Saint Joan" within the scope of the modernistmovement. The analysis uses these works as the context for discussing ideas about the development of literary modernism. The paper presents a brief exploration of modernism and defines it as a general term applied to experimental and avant-garde trends in the literature of the early 20th century. The paper explains that within literature, modernism is characterized by a rejection of 19th-century traditions such as religious norms and conventional beliefs. The paper offers modernist parallels between "Murder in the Cathedral" and "Saint Joan."
Outline:
Abstract
Modernism Defined
Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral"
Shaw's "Saint Joan"
Modernist Parallels Between "Murder in the Cathedral" and "Saint Joan"
Closing Thoughts on Modernism
From the Paper "In 1935, TS Eliot wrote "Murder in the Cathedral", a work that encapsulated many of the themes of the modernist point of view: the examination and questioning of modern religious beliefs, the faith of people in the essential goodness of their fellow human beings, and the validity of the submission of free thinking people to the will of God. When the Knights in the tale kill the priest within the cathedral itself, there is more than human flesh being put to death; rather it is feasible that Eliot was showing the death of faith and the fading away of the religious institutions that shaped the lives of so many, and as such, was showing support for the core of the modernist mindset."
Tags: literature, religion, faith, beliefs, Church
Abstract This essay explores and evaluates Katherine Mansfield's literary style with reference to her short story Bliss. It discusses the ways in which Bliss demonstrates her desire to break with the past and experiment with new methods of writing. The paper evaluates the story as an example of Modernist literature and reviews Mansfield 's importance in the Modernistmovement. The paper also provides a detailed analysis of Mansfield's original and distinctive delivery of the short story.
From the Paper "An important figure in the modernist movement, Katherine Mansfield was a highly experiential writer who sought to find new ways of representing the world. The beginning of the twentieth century was a time of terrific change due to technological advances, scientific theories and capitalism. The First World War compounded this disturbance and literally shattered the universal values which held society together. Society was left fragmented and disillusioned and the Modernists felt that the traditional mode of representing the world in literature, specifically realism, was outdated and no longer appropriate. Mansfield 's short story Bliss, 1918, demonstrates the desire to break with the past and experiment with new methods of writing which would express this transformed society more aptly."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at how Franz Kafka is one of the most enigmatic and interesting figures in literature. The writer notes that Kafka's work has left an enduing impression on world literature as well as on popular culture. The writer discusses and explains the term "Kafkaesque", which has entered into ordinary vocabulary and conversation. The writer concludes that the works of Franz Kafka are representative of the central ethos and tents of the Modernistmovement in literature. Further, the writer points out that Kafka's central themes, which emanate from a critique of his contemporary world, are the dislocation of identity and meaning and modern despair and confusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Modernism
Kafka, Alienation and Modernism
From the Paper "From the point of view of world literature, the works of Franz Kafka have created a specific genre or literary niche. Much of the value of his writing lies however in the fact that it forms part of a general trend of literature in the 20th century. This is the Modernist movement in thought and art. Many critics are of the opinion that Kafka is closely aligned to the central movements in thought and literature during that period associated with Modernism; such as existentialism. In essence, the writings of Franz Kafka have become an integral part of the body of work written in the first half of the Twentieth Century that has become known as Modernism."
Abstract In this article, the writer presents a brief biography of Walter Gropius's early life, including education and influences. The writer discusses the role played by the Bauhaus Movement in the Imperial Germany of the 19th and 20th centuries in addition to describing the contribution made by the Bauhaus style of Architecture in the United States. The writer concludes that Walter Gropius was without doubt one of the most important architects of the previous century. The writer maintains that his significance lies in having realized the necessity of combining the previously separate fields of art and craft early in his career and in bringing the art of designing closer to the realities of the industrial age.
Outline:
Walter Gropius's Life
Early Influences and Work
The First World War and Marriage
Weimer and Dessau
Exile, Harvard and Death
The Role of the Bauhaus Movement in 19th and 20th Century Germany
Background
Influence of the Bauhaus Movement in Germany
Bauhaus Style Contribution in the United States
Conclusion
From the Paper "Even before of the end of World War I, Walter Gropius was invited to become the director of the School of Arts and Craft and the Academy of Fine Arts in Weimer. Walter accepted the position and took over as the director of the institutions in 1919 after the end of the War. It was a time of artistic confusion and architects and designers, as well as painters and sculptors who were mostly individual romantics seemed to be drifting directionless with their art. Amidst such confusion, Gropius knew exactly what to do: he was convinced that no distinction could be made between fine arts and practical crafts and immediately proceeded to unify the two schools, re-naming it the Staatliches Bauhaus Weimar. The move proved to be a pivotal moment in Gropius's life and modern architecture as it signaled the start of the Bauhaus movement. It was at Bauhaus, Weimer that Gropius introduced his new approach to design education that emphasized the principal of uniting art and technology that revolutionized modern design."
Abstract The paper presents an exhaustive synthesis of the gay rights movement in the United States. This paper begins with an examination of early gay rights movements, focusing particularly on Germany, for it is nearly impossible to understand the movement without first examining its roots. Next, as this synthesis turns its focus to the gay rights movement in the United States, the paper comments that the movement erupted into a global effort to ensure the equality of gays in society. The paper comments on the phenomenon of how the homosexuals reached the position that they occupy today. Moreover,the paper asks, if one examines this progress, is it possible to predict the path in which the gay rights and culture movement is going?
Outline:
Introduction
Early Gay Movements in Germany
Gay Rights in the United States
The Years Leading Up to Stonewall
Stonewall: A Watershed Moment in Gay Rights
Post-Stonewall Movements The 1980s and 1990s
Gay Rights in the Twenty-first Century
The Future for Gays: The End of Gay Culture
From the Paper "The history of homosexuality is weaved inextricably into the history of the world. Ample evidence of homosexual relations has existed as far back as written records can substantiate. As the purpose of this synthesis is not to provide an overview of homosexual history, its focus will begin with the birth of gay rights organizations. This benchmark occurred in Germany in 1897, when the first social movement to advance the civil rights of gay people was founded in Germany. In order to understand correctly where this early gay movement came from and where today's movement is going, it is imperative to examine the social conditions that made the movements possible."
Abstract This paper discusses social movements with regards to Andrews, Whittier, and the documentaries providing convincing evidence that the powers of social movements are derived primarily from injustice in society. The paper further discusses how social, economic, or political conditions can no longer be tolerated by an oppressed group of people, social movements often arise, for such movements enable the participants to affect social change. These movements rarely achieve all of their goals because they always generate resistance, but they have often succeeded in attaining many of their goals.
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the Women's Movement in the United States. The writer discusses the history of the Movement. The mobilizing structure of the Movement is also examined in this paper. The writer looks at the related political opportunities and the ideology of the Women's Movement. Further, the writer discusses the future of the Movement.
From the Paper "The research topic selected for this report focuses on the American Women's Liberation movement, specifically the Second Wave of the movement. The goal of the study is to determine the extent to which the Movement succeeded in mobilizing a broad coalition of women and to which it continues to play a role in American society. The study is approached via qualitative narrative historical analysis using a literature review to answer the research questions below. Research ... "
Abstract This paper analyzes changes in interior design brought about because of the arts and crafts movement in the nineteenth century, noting that the movement made changes specifically in terms of the design of interiors, including the design of furniture. The movement was shaped by William Morris, best-known for the design of the Morris chair but also for being a leader in this artistic movement.
From the Paper "The arts and crafts movement was a reaction to the opulence and weight of design in the Victorian era. This movement made changes specifically in terms of the design of interiors, including the design of furniture. The movement was shaped by William Morris, best-known for the design of the Morris chair but also for being a leader in this artistic movement. In the nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution changed the nature of manufacturing and so also affected the nature of design. The Victorian style that prevailed in the nineteenth century featured heavily ornamented interiors containing many pieces of furniture, collections of ornamental objects, and surfaces covered with fringed cloths. "
Abstract The March First Movement saw many rallies staged in Korea during a two-month period in March 1919 for Korean independence. The Movement technically started on March 1, 1919, when 33 nationalist leaders declared the country's independence from Japan at a park in central Seoul. The declaration sparked protests by ordinary Koreans across the country. The Japanese colonialists oppressed the uprising by brutal force. Consequently, the March First movement failed to achieve its objective of Korean independence.
Abstract This research paper focuses on the May Fourth Movement in China. The movement was a revolution in itself-of an intellectual nature. It was against imperialism, and encouraged intellectualism resulting in democracy and the great utilization of brilliant minds in China today. The movement is still commemorated, and was recently even imitated.
Abstract This paper analyzes the manner in which televised images during this particular era aided the goals and objectives of the black freedom movement. The writer of this paper focuses on the impact of television on the viewing public during the 1950s and 1960s. This paper also discusses how the medium of television made clear the aims of other more radical movements that arose at the time. This paper explores how the media depicted the significance of the civil rights movement while also allowing equal air time for the views and opinions of the general opposition.
From the Paper "This paper examines the role of the media during the pivotal years of the black freedom movement .Television was a relatively new means of disseminating the news and as journalists were starting to define its uses activists were building their case and fighting for civil rights. Televised images helped develop public understanding of the cause but also clarified many of the more radical movements that arose at the time."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the rise of the environmental movement in the west. The writer makes specific reference to the characteristics of the environmental movement, with the objective of finding out how to maximize membership of the environmental movement.
From the Paper This paper attempts to gain insight into the dynamics of the environmental movement, specifically in regard to its growth in the West. This is done by reviewing the relevant literature, theories and studies.
A discussion on the way that the punk subculture re-emerged in recent years in response to the rise of the far right in Switzerland and as part of the international anti-fascist and anti-globalization movements.
Abstract The paper focuses on the evolution of punk and its mutation into the more politically charged anarcho-punk movement and explores the violent side of the extreme left - both as an international force and in particular in Switzerland. The paper then discusses the Bern-based Antifa Switzerland group and explores the motivations of the Black Bloc anarchists. The paper highlights the use of violence in the anti-fascist movement and the connection between today's violent anarcho-punks with the ideals of the original punk movement. Several photographs are included with the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
Punk's First Wave
Punk Arrives in Switzerland
Switzerland, Anarcho-Punk, and Post-war Politics in the 21st Century
Conclusion
From the Paper "The media, however, interpreted the punks' image, music, and reckless behavior as a real threat to the status quo. This culminated in December of 1976 when the Sex Pistols and members of the Bromley Contingent appeared on the Bill Grundy television show in England. At the time of this momentous event, punk was still in its early stages. The public-at-large had little way of knowing about punk at the time. What they saw was a group of extravagantly dressed young people, visibly intoxicated, who took relish in using offensive words and insulting the host of the program in a manner that went way beyond the accepted morals of the time. The Bill Grundy episode would spiral the fledgling youth subculture into the wider cultural spotlight. At that point, punk was no longer a tiny subculture, but a mass media spectacle that would shock the conservative British public and inspire similar-minded youth all over the world."
