THE INFLUENCE OF MODERNISM ON 20TH-CENTURY BRITISH POETRY

Abstract

The early to mid-20th century saw profound transformations in the landscape of British poetry, largely shaped by the Modernist movement. Modernism, emerging as a response to the disillusionment and societal upheavals of the time, revolutionized the themes, forms, and stylistic approaches in poetry. This period marked a departure from traditional poetic structures, with poets seeking to capture the fragmented, disjointed nature of modern life. Key figures such as T.S. Eliot, W.B. Yeats, and Ezra Pound challenged conventional notions of language, form, and meaning. Their works, characterized by a break from linear narratives, often embraced ambiguity, non-linear structures, and a fragmented view of reality. The influence of modernist ideologies, including the focus on individual subjectivity, alienation, and the tension between the past and the present, left an indelible mark on British poetry. This paper explores how modernism reshaped British poetry, emphasizing its impact on poetic innovation, the exploration of psychological and philosophical themes, and the experimentation with language and structure.