The word contemporary means: to stay, yours or what is currently happening. So when we talk about modern literature, we are talking about books written in the present about the present. But what does it involve now?
Contemporary literary works reflect the social and political perceptions of society, expressed by real characters, interactions with current events and social and economic messages. So when we consider the text of the day, we cannot help but look at a few themes or settings. As society changes over time, it changes the content and messages of this writing accordingly.
What is Contemporary Literature?
Contemporary literature is based on the 11th world war and the events surrounding it. It was not only the horrific state of war events on the battlefield but also the low level of genocide and corruption at the time. These are the routes to this type of literature. It is in these real-time lines that we find the beginning of a new era of writing.
While there is not a single modern form of work, each piece sends a message from a person living during and after World War II. However, this does not mean that all activities will focus on the Holocaust or war issues.
These activities are aimed at addressing global injustices and seeking the human rights, topics and questions raised at this critical time in the country’s history. War serves as a catalyst for this change of mind, and writers who write at this time carefully and unknowingly illuminate this change in thinking about their writing.
Examples of Contemporary Literature
For example, Beloved by Toni Morrison, is a classic piece of contemporary literature. The novel follows an ex-slave named Sethe on her journey to fight her traumatic past while raising her daughter Denver. The book serves as a powerful message about the trauma slaves faced and cultural injustices slavery brought upon the citizens of the US.
But to the point, this slave narrative does not define contemporary literature. There are many other works that are vastly different, all of which fulfill the definition of the contemporary period.
To provide contrast, the novel, ThePoisonwoodBible by Barbara Kingsolver, is another example of contemporary literature. This narrative follows a minister and his family from the US on a mission to Africa where their lives are drastically changed, and their Christian values are tested. It speaks to the idea of forcing one’s religion and culture on another and the pitfalls and realizations that come with the task.