20th Century British Literature. Specifically Term Paper

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In fact, all these novels are concerned with the psychology and attitudes of the characters, and use them to represent the fragmentation and uncertainty in society. The characters own lives are uncertain and fragmented, and this represents these themes in society at large.

Rhys also wanted to confront areas of British society that remained hidden and unacknowledged in her novel. In "Jane Eyre," the character's madness is simply alluded to, and the character does not have a voice. In "Wide Sargasso Sea," the character has a voice. Rhys writes, "But we must talk about it.... No other time, now.... You have no right to ask questions about my mother and then refuse to listen to my answer" (Rhys 129). In true 20th century honesty and openness, she wants to bring the subject out and confront it, while in England it was covered up and hidden. This shows the fragmentation in England between the classes, where the poor and infirm were considered a lower part of society, and certainly not recognized or acknowledged in "polite" upper class society. Thus, all these novels use different methods to show fragmentation and uncertainty, but they all represent 20th century literary ideals of honesty, openness, and a grittier look at the dark side of life and humanity. They were steeped in realism, while earlier works were more romantic and romanticized, ignoring reality for a more idealistic view of life and society.

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In addition, the feminine characters in all these novels begin to show a stronger, more determined (or feminist) view of the world. Even Phuong is strong enough to leave Fowler for Pyle, and enjoy her own life, if only for a while. The feminist view was also an important part of 20th century literature. More women were writing, women were gaining independence, and many men may have thought their independence added fragmentation and uncertainty to society. Therefore, all these novels represent some of Britain's best 20th century writers, along with societal themes that touched Britain and the world.

In conclusion, all of these 20th century works indicate the uncertainty and fragmentation in British society. They show an uncertain world at flux after World War II and during the Cold War. They show a growing distrust of other countries, combined with uncertainty and disarray in their own country, and a world changing more rapidly than perhaps many British subjects would want. They show how the world was fragmented and uncertain too, which certainly helped add to British unease and uncertainty. These novels all mirror society of the time, and they are a good glimpse into Europe and Great Britain after World War II. The war changed everything around the world, and these novels all indicate just what a lasting and important affect that had on Great Britain, the world, and Britain's relationship with world society......

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