I have heard of postmodernism before taking this class but I've never been aware of what the definition (and the debate around it) was until now. The notion of multiple narratives negating the existence of any "truth" in the world is an idea that I've had in my head for a while but haven't been able to define under any single term. However, after listening to discussions in class I think my thoughts can fit under the definition of postmodernism. I've considered how no day is truly the same, how there is only one 12:57 PM of February 4 in 2016 that will ever occur--I think these ideas can be described as postmodern, maybe? I feel like the ideas that have been explored in class are like my own conceptions of the world being translated into a concrete and coherent form (which sounds kinda pompous but whatever).
Ragtime is an interesting book on its own but within the context of exploring postmodernism it becomes even more interesting. The language, content, and structure of the novel all come together to produce a commentary on all sorts of things in different manners. The tone of the narrative voice changes to indicate criticism or lack thereof. The depiction of well-known figures in ways that are contrary to what's expected of them (e.g Houdini feeling aimless) simultaneously comments on the existence of multiple narratives and the verifiability of history. The similar tone of the beginning and the ending reflects that there was change but also no change at the same time. All of this commentary and allusions made for a unique read, in my opinion. And to go out of context a little, I feel like I've only begun noticing within the last 2 years how a book can utilize language to tell more than just a story.
It doesn't sound "pompous" to me, when you say that the ideas we've been discussing resonate with things you've thought about but hadn't quite put into words before. Indeed, this is my hope with this course--to demystify daunting or "pretentious"-sounding words like "postmodernism" and look at how useful and insightful these concepts can be for comprehending or at least describing the world(s) we are a part of. It's a great and unique feeling when a daunting intellectual text suddenly "clicks" and makes sense with things we've thought about on our own before.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the ideas of postmodernism did align, partially at least, with what I already believed. It seems that this world view is becoming more and more mainstream and part of popular culture. Ragtime certainly would not be the same without looking through a postmodernist lens. I think that even if they don't call it postmodernism, most people these days will agree with some of the postmodernist ideas presented in the novel.
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