Question

Consider the changes in literary style during the modern era. Modernist writers explored new literary techniques, such as free verse, and broke from traditional literary customs. Research a writer from the modern era and describe the writer's literary style and technique.
Why do you think American writers of subsequent literary periods often choose to break from traditions and seek more freedom in their artistic expression? Are writers justified in challenging the artistic status quo? Why or why not?

Answer 1

A famous writer from the Modernist Era is Ezra Pound. Ezra Pound was an American author who became a major figure of early Modernism. Pound's style stressed clarity, precision, concision and the economy of language.

Writers from the Modernist period on were generally very interested in innovation, and were constantly trying to find new ways in which they could break from previous traditions and find new ways of expressing themselves. This was a consequence of the belief that they had of the twentieth century as being a particularly turbulent, destructive, groundbreaking century. The impact of the world wars showed the power of new ideas, as well as the unusual times that people were living. This motivated them to change the status quo.

I believe they were justified to do so because the century was indeed a turbulent, unexpected one, which led to the rules of the world and our social reality changing in many different ways and areas.

Answer 2

Answer:

Yes, the writers are justified in challenging the artistic status quo.

Explanation:

Modernist writing means a writer takes a break from the traditional way of writing. This can be done by not using conventional language or grammar. This can also be done by using a different rhyme scheme or no rhyme scheme like a free verse.

Each writer has his own artistic creation so American writers often break from literary tradition because it presents something new to the audience, something unusual and exciting at the same time. It breaks the monotony of the traditional structure used.  

Writers are justified in challenging the status quo because it is an art, and like everything else in the world, art also evolves, and changes do happen. The intention of the writer should be considered, and he should be given freedom to present something unique to the audience.