Rise of Postmodernism questions and answers graded A+

Rise of PostmodernismPostmodernism - correct answer genre—a classification of literature characterized by particular content and form narrative—a story; narratives can be true or fictional paradox—a seemingly contradictory phrase or statement that, upon closer study, is actually true, for example: I'm in a lot of pain, but I feel great! No Limitations - correct answer The modernists, rejecting the tradition of the time, worked with experimental forms, such as the fragmented narrative. The postmodernists went further and rejected boundaries between genres, modes, and even types of art. For example, the postmodernist novel The Unfortunates by B. S. Johnson rejects order. The novel sells as 27 unbound sheets in a box, with one sheet labeled "first" and another "last." Outside those two designations, readers are free to work through the novel in any order they choose. World War II influenced the content of postmodern literature as well. Several well-known postmodern writers, including Joseph Heller and Kurt Vonnegut, centered much of their writing on their experiences serving in the war Changing - correct answer The rapid change in American society in the mid-twentieth century was cause for awe and wonder, but it also created a sense of fear among people. The extent of the devastation caused by the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki scared people and made them wary of the power of science and developments in warfare. At the same time, people marveled at other advancements, particularly those related to space exploration. Both the favorable and adverse effects of the developments in science and technology had a major influence on the literature of this era. One such example is the genre of science fiction, which gained momentum during this time period. Science fiction reflected the contradiction of amazement and paranoia at technological advancement in the mid-twentieth century. Science Fiction: Technology and Sociology - correct answer Published in 1818, Frankenstein by English writer Mary Shelley is generally considered the first science fiction novel. In this work, a scientist sets out to create a living being that will benefit humanity but instead creates a monster. Other pioneering works of nineteenth-century science fiction include Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea and The Time Machine by H. G. Wells. SUBGENRES -- -cyberpunk—typically features futuristic settings where powerful computers influence society -steampunk—infuses classical steam-power technologies with futuristic settings and equipment -dystopian—focuses on a society that is imperfect, one in which people are generally unhappy and afraid; the opposite of a utopian, or perfect, society -alternate history—describes a society in which events have occurred differently than they have in reality a futuristic city with a large planet in the sky Hard sci-fi emphasizes the use of plausible science and technology within a story. This science and technology typically operates as a crucial component of the story, and the author vividly describes and outlines its purpose and function. Hard sci-fi can also be thought of as "gadget" or "adventure" sci-fi, where the technology used plays an integral part in the plot. Although science and technology also play a key role in social sci-fi, the stories don't focus as much on the function and use of advanced technologies. Instead they emphasize the effect of science and technology on humans and society. Social sci-fi often presents a world that is similar to reality, but contains key differences that highlight and explore societal questions and issues. John W. Campbell - correct answer Seated at the controls once more, he snapped the little switch that caused the screen to glow with flashing, swirling colors as the telectroscope apparatus came to life. A thousand tiny points of flame appeared scattered on a black field with a suddenness that made them seem to snap suddenly into being. Points, tiny dimensionless points of light, save one, a tiny disc of blue-white flame, old Sol from a distance of close to one billion miles, and under slight reverse magnification. The skillful hands at the controls were turning adjustments now, and that disc of flame seemed to leap toward him with a hundred light-speeds, growing to a disc as large as a dime in an instant, while the myriad points of the stars seemed to scatter like frightened chickens, fleeing from the growing sun, out of the screen. Other points, heretofore invisible, appeared, grew, and rushed away. hard sci-fi because the technology in the story plays a central and practical role in the plot. Notice how the narrator provides ample details about how the advanced technology, in this case a spaceship, functions. Campbell vs. Dick - correct answer Both excerpts are examples of science fiction, and they both describe machines that attack humans. However, the Campbell excerpt is an example of hard sci-fi because the style and narration places emphasis on the functionality and complexity of a certain technology—in this case, a rocket ship. The Dick excerpt is an example of social sci-fi since the purpose of the futuristic technology is not simply in its function, but more in its effect on humanity. In the Campbell excerpt, the push of a button brings a machine to life. The function and the structure of the machine is given emphasis. In the Dick excerpt, the effect the machines have on people is given emphasis. One of the survivors even speaks about the machine as if it were a person. "Report on the Barnhouse Effect" - correct answer - Science and war -Slaughterhouse-Five --- His experience with the technology of war, such as the Dresden bombings and the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki, resulted in a distinctly dystopian reaction to scientific advancement, which is evident in the reading selection. To Vonnegut, human impulse, desire, and misguided attempts for advancement, both as a species and scientifically, are the source of most sociopolitical problems in the world. He often focused on the casual acceptance of death brought on by the numbing effects of war. Note the tinge of irony and sarcasm throughout Vonnegut's stories. Such pervasive irony and sarcasm is a common characteristic of postmodernist literature, especially when the text discusses a serious topic such as war. - correct answer -Publishing date--- Finding the year a work was written and published helps identify contextual information, such as cultural and political movements and major world events. For example, if a piece was written in 1930, it was likely influenced by World War I and the Great Depression, making it part of the modernist movement.