Postmodernism

Many critics agree that the development of postmodernist thought is concurrent with the emergence of late capitalism. Postmodernists respond to late capitalism with an anti-authoritarian attitude. They reject generalizing theories, universalities, all-encompassing narratives, and ideals constructed by authoritative entities. Early postmodern writers, such as Kurt Vonnegut, reacted to post-war, post-atomic America in their expressions of antiwar and anti-establishment feelings. Contemporary postmodern works such as the television series Black Mirror often express a distrust in society’s reliance on digital networks and surveillance.

Which of the following inferences about postmodernism is best supported by the passage above?

• Postmodernism celebrates the theories and ideals put forth by late capitalism.

• Postmodernism is primarily concerned with opposing war and the atomic age.

• Postmodernism acts as an oppositional response to the ideals put forth by late capitalism.

• Postmodernism is a movement that was popularized by Kurt Vonnegut in response to WWII.

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Which of the following selections best explains how postmodernism differs from modernism?

• Postmodernism promotes the idea that the world is essentially incoherent

• Postmodernism is interested in the meaning brought to a text by the reader

• Postmodernism employs the use of fragmentation

• A & B only

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Postmodern writers’ frequently reject overarching interpretations of events that provide a foundation for people’s beliefs and give meaning to their experiences. For example, a postmodernist might respond with skepticism to the claim that anything can be accomplished through hard work and determination. The postmodernist might seek to point out that such generalizations fail to account for experiences that do not fit within the singular narrative presented.

The passage above mainly suggests that postmodernists

• try to think outside of the box

• do not trust anyone or anything

• do not believe hard work matters

• are difficult to debate with

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Postmodernists would be most likely interested in representing the voices of _________.

• politicians

• white men

• women of color

• church leaders

Metafiction is a popular postmodern literary form mainly because _____________.

• it combines various other forms to create a new form

• it is the founder of postmodernism’s favorite form

• it enables postmodernists to question writer authority

• it makes use of a self-reflexive, self-conscious voice

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_________ is a disintegration of narrative conventions

• parody

• late capitalism

• fragmentation

• pastiche

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_________ is a post-industrial economic system characterized by globalization, mass media, and consumption

• parody

• late capitalism

• fragmentation

• pastiche

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___________ is a new work or style that is formed by combining elements of other previous works

• parody

• late capitalism

• fragmentation

• pastiche

___________ is humorous or satirical mimicry

• parody

• late capitalism

• fragmentation

• pastiche

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