Historical and Cultural Connections – Symbolism and Imagism

True Modernists wanted to reflect the fragmentation of the modern world by constructing their works out of fragments. For prose, this meant omitting or re-arranging things like expositions, transitions, resolutions, and explanations. Themes became implied and not stated. Plot points and characterizations became ambiguous, filled with symbolism and inference. Poets abandoned form and meter in favor of free verse and anti-traditional structure. Modernist authors and poets wanted to make their readers work to draw a conclusion; they wanted to make their readers think for themselves.

In this topic, you will explore Imagism and how it was reflected in Modernist literature.

Essential Question

• What is Imagism, and how was it reflective of the Modern era?