Capitalizing 'Early Modern Period': A Historical Deep Dive
Is the 'Early Modern Period' a phrase that requires capitalization? Although it may seem like a straightforward question, the nuances of literary and historical timelines offer a rich tapestry of contexts and interpretations. Let's explore the history and significance of this period, from the Romantic Age to the advent of Modernism and beyond.
The Term 'Modern'
Firstly, it's important to address what we mean by the term 'modern.' In the broadest sense, literary historians often mark the 'Modern' period with the publication of The Lyrical Ballads by William Wordsworth in 1798. However, a more detailed analysis involves works of William Blake, Jane Austen, and the Romantic movement characterized by the poetry of Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, and the essays of Hazlitt and De Quincy.
Challenges in Defining the Early Modern Period
Shakespeare, another frequent candidate, adds another layer of complexity to the debate. His works span the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, intersecting with the transition from the Tudor to the Stuart period. Moreover, the novel as a form of prose fiction was initially not considered a respectable literary medium, as evidenced by the reluctance of certain literati to engage with it.
The Beginning of the 'Modern' Age
Historians generally date the beginning of the 'Modern' age to 1789 with the French Revolution. This event marked a shift in politics, geopolitics, diplomacy, and philosophical ideas, including those of Goethe and Hume. It heralded a transition from the more logical and equivocal reasoning of the Enlightenment to new ways of thinking.
The Literary Scene
The period following the French Revolution saw the rise of Romanticism, embodied in the works of writers like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Romantic movements also expanded into painting, music, and literature. The neo-classical tradition, exemplified by the works of Goldsmith and Sheridan, began to fade in contrast to the emerging Romantic spirit.
The Emergence of Romanticism and Modernism
However, the term 'Modernism' with a large capital 'M' is more accurately applied to a later period. This period, which began around the 1910s and continued through the mid-20th century, was marked by the influence of existential philosophy, psychology, and sociological theories. Key figures include Virginia Woolf, Ezra Pound, and T.S. Eliot. This era also saw the flourishing of various art forms, including Cubism, Surrealism, and modernist architecture.
Modernist Literary Figurines
Prose fiction became dominant in the early 20th century, with significant writers such as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, D.H. Lawrence, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. Their works, influenced by Ezra Pound's dictum "Make it New," pushed the boundaries of traditional narrative and form. Other notable figures include Samuel Beckett, Vladimir Nabokov, and William Faulkner.
The Transition to Postmodernism
The counter to Modernism is Postmodernism, which emerged post-World War II. This movement, featuring authors like Joseph Heller, J.D. Salinger, and Kurt Vonnegut, rejected the grand narratives and stylistic conventions of Modernism. Postmodernism is characterized by its lack of clear definitions, drawing heavily from the critical theories of philosophers like Jacques Derrida. Key works include Critique of Pure Reason and Of Grammatology.
Postmodern Literary Landscape
Postmodernism continues to be relevant today, with writers like John Barth, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Don DeLillo stretching the boundaries of narrative and form. Poetry, once paramount, took a backseat to prose fiction, as seen in the works of Eileen Myles, Ocean Vuong, and Ocean Vuong. This shift reflects broader cultural and philosophical changes in the 20th century.
In conclusion, the decision to capitalize 'Early Modern Period' depends on the context. Literary critics, historians, and scholars in various fields use the term differently. If grammatical correctness is the primary concern, capitalization is appropriate, but the nuances of historical and literary movements are essential to fully understand its significance.