“Modern British literature can be understood as a body of texts that offer a serious social criticism aimed to raise awareness in the reader. To make an influential social commentary, different genres and forms are used to communicate a serious critique which warns and calls to action.”
Modern British literature, encompassing a rich array of genres and forms, has been instrumental in delivering incisive social critiques that urge readers to reflect upon the prevailing social norms and values. From the poignancy of poetry to the insightful narratives in novels and short stories, this body of literature does not shy away from addressing complex issues such as materialism, human relationships, technological dependence, and the multifaceted human condition. Authors have harnessed the power of the written word to not only depict the social landscape but to also challenge the reader to engage in critical thinking and, in many instances, call them to action. This essay will explore how Modern British literature employs various genres and forms to communicate potent social critiques, using textual evidence from different works by different authors.
Firstly, D.H. Lawrence’s works exhibit a candid exploration of human relationships and the constraints of society. In “The Rocking-Horse Winner,” for instance, Lawrence critiques materialism and the corrosive effect it can have on familial relationships. The story revolves around a young boy who employs supernatural means to secure wealth, ultimately sacrificing himself in the process. Through the young protagonist’s demise, Lawrence warns against the insatiable nature of material consumption and the emotional alienation it can cause. Similarly, emotions and relationships take center stage in Thomas Hardy’s “Neutral Tones”, which is a reflective poem addressing the theme of a love that has faded. Through somber imagery, Hardy metaphorically portrays the disillusionment arising from failed relationships. On a contrasting note, A.E. Housman’s “Loveliest of Trees” celebrates the beauty of nature as emblematic of life’s brevity. Unlike the bleakness in “Neutral Tones,” Housman’s poem posits a sense of urgency in embracing and appreciating life and nature. This demonstrates the range of emotions and themes that Modern British literature encompasses and the versatility in the portrayal of human experiences. Through a literary lens, authors not only expose the macrocosm of societal changes but also delve into the microcosm of human emotions. Andrea Levy’s “Loose Change” short story that revolves around two women who meet in a London public restroom. The story explores themes of immigration, racial tensions, and economic disparity. Through the interaction between the two characters, Levy exposes the harsh realities faced by immigrants and the complex socio-economic issues underlying British society. The narrative form of the short story allows Levy to present an intimate and relatable portrayal of the characters, thereby highlighting the humanity at the core of the issues she critiques. This resonates with the themes in “The Buddha of Suburbia,” illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants. The novel focuses on the transformative power of self-discovery and the challenges faced by immigrants in Britain. Kureishi employs the bildungsroman form, using humor and irony to expose the socio-cultural landscape of Britain. Through the protagonist, Karim, the author offers a critique of British society’s attitudes toward race and class. Karim’s encounters with racism, and his grappling with identity as he navigates the spaces between his British and Indian heritage, serve as a reflection of the British society of the time. The novel calls for an awareness of diversity and the embracing of multiculturalism, an essential social commentary given the historical context of post-colonial Britain. This piece resonates with the modernist theme of transformation and serves as a call to action for increased cultural acceptance.
Second, E.M. Forster’s “The Machine Stops” is a science fiction short story that prophesies a dystopian future dominated by technology. The story’s stark warnings about over-reliance on machines and the loss of human connections were revolutionary at the time of publication in 1909 and have become eerily prescient in the contemporary era. In this dystopian short story, the human population lives underground, heavily reliant on a vast mechanical system for all their needs. The narrative reflects Forster’s apprehension regarding technological reliance and its potential to spawn physical and emotional detachment. This work reflects modernist apprehension towards industrialism and serves as a warning to society to maintain a balanced relationship with technology.
Third, George Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language” reflects a keen insight into the power and manipulation of language, especially in the political sphere. Orwell posits that political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, thus obscuring reality. This not only reflects a shift in societal values but underscores how language becomes a tool in shaping and reflecting those values. Furthermore, in Orwell’s “Coming Up for Air”, the protagonist, George Bowling, offers insight into life in England before World War II. Through Bowling’s reflections on the past and his attempts to escape the dreariness of his present life, Orwell delivers a critique of the materialistic and repressive nature of modern society. The novel explores the themes of memory and the irreversible change brought about by progress and war, where the protagonist’s nostalgia for his past reflects a lost innocence and simplicity.
Furthermore, in the realm of poetry, the solemnity of death and its relationship with honor and futility is explored in “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A.E Housman and “The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke. These poems highlight contrasting attitudes towards death; where Housman’s poem captures the fleeting nature of glory, Brooke’s work romanticizes the honor in sacrifice for one’s country. Moving towards the effects of war, poems such as “Anthem for Doomed Youth” by Wilfred Owen, which illustrates the ravages of World War I on the human psyche, exposes the harrowing experiences of soldiers and criticizes the romanticized notion of war. Also, “Glory of Women” by Siegfried Sassoon lament the loss and futility associated with World War I. These poems also reflect the disillusionment experienced by the society, where Owen’s depiction of soldiers dying like “cattle” critically contrasts with the Romanticized image of war. This aligns with the notion of literature in the modern age revealing the hollowness and futility of war, and how it shaped society’s perceptions.
Additionally, Modern British literature often critically examines the human condition through the lenses of death and societal perceptions. In Stevie Smith’s “Not Waving but Drowning,” the tragic fate of a drowning man who is misunderstood by onlookers serves as a metaphor for loneliness and how inner turmoil is often overlooked. Likewise, Thomas Hardy’s “Ah, Are You Digging On My Grave?” employs a sardonic tone to comment on the fleeting nature of remembrance and the human tendency to forget the past. These poems use mortality as a conduit to critique societal attitudes towards the individual, showcasing how Modern British literature can wield powerful social commentary through a diverse array of themes.
Finally, in “Why I Write,” George Orwell explores the motivations behind writing, suggesting that the historical impulse, political purpose, sheer egoism, and aesthetic enthusiasm are all driving forces for a writer. This introspective examination reflects a shift in modern literature, where authors began to scrutinize not only the external world but also the internal motives and processes of writing itself. Similarly, “The Artist” by Maggie Gee delves into the creative processes of an artist, exploring the complexities of the creative mind. This work emphasizes how artists in the modern era began to introspect, analyzing their role and influence within the evolving society. Moreover, in “Tragedy and the Common Man,” Arthur Miller argues that modern drama should not be confined to the calamities of the aristocracy, but should address the sufferings and moral dilemmas faced by ordinary individuals. This supports the earlier point that modern literature began to shift focus towards the poor and working classes.
In conclusion, Modern British literature, with its diverse repertoire, is an evocative tapestry that captures and critiques the societal and individual nuances of its time. Through the masterful use of genres and forms, authors mentioned in the essay have woven narratives that shine a light on critical social issues ranging from materialism and relationships to technological dependence and the intricacies of the human condition. Whether it be the haunting verses of a poem or the immersive pages of a novel, these texts act as mirrors reflecting the realities of the society they depict. More than that, they are clarion calls that urge the reader to not remain a passive consumer but to actively engage with the issues, fostering awareness and, in many cases, beckoning for change. As the world continues to evolve, Modern British literature remains an enduring testament to the power of the written word as a vehicle for social critique and transformation.
