Postmodernism in Literature - Essay Example

Born Again – Analysis and Interpretation A Brief Focus on Postmodernism Postmodernism encompasses various transformations in diverse realms such as music, art and literature, amongst many others. These (transformations) are rated as nothing short of a revolution in comparison with the relevant traditional standards of the past era. As a matter of fact, many view postmodernism as just a continuation of the immediately preceding phase of modernism. But it needs to be noted that, with regard to defying traditional norms, postmodernism has traversed way ahead of the previous phase (modernism). In the realm of fine art and literature, postmodernism defied all norms of orthodoxy by adhering to many patterns that were hitherto considered as deviations from real art. (1) In fact, artists pertaining to this norm-defying era (postmodernism) were the ones who did their utmost in ensuring that simple and not-that-literate common people develop an apt understanding of art. That was not the case in the bygone era where the dominant force constituted of accepted conventions, and art was beyond the comprehension of general public. The term “Postmodernism” covers many more aspects that have been omitted here, and focus has been on only those pertaining to art and literature. And that is not without a valid reason, for his essay attempts to interpret “Born Again” from the perspective of postmodernism. (1) It can be succinctly concluded that in the bygone era conformism was the order of the day, while in postmodernism it is iconoclasm that is having the say. At this point, it won’t be out of place in noting that, since times immemorial, the entire progress being witnessed by mankind is attributable to the cumulative efforts of all the people who chose to think differently, by courageously defying all established standards. A Study of “Born Again” A thorough study of the story “Born Again” vividly focuses on the fact that it indeed is a work pertinent to Postmodernism. There are numerous reasons for this, with not the least amongst them being the central character of the story, Nancy Loughin, who asserts her individuality and also makes no attempt in concealing her vice-filled life of recent past. From a perspective, she could be considered to be an epitome of “Women’s Liberation”! All these aspects were more or less a taboo in literary works of the conservative era, where women were expected to just obey various dictates of the male-dominated society, without questioning. As a matter of fact, many of those works depicted women as highly docile and submissive individuals whose entire life revolved around serving the family. (2) Likewise, there is also a mention of Nancy’s career-centric approach, at a few places in the story, and in addition, she is courageous enough to be living all alone. Both these aspects are unheard of even in the relatively recent past, where survival of women without male support was considered to be highly impossible. Nancy is a near-perfect symbol of the Postmodern Woman who prefers to live life by her own terms. It also needs to be noted that, even until the recent past, she indulged in all vices including sexual relations with multiple partners. But presently, she has eliminated all those unwanted traits from her life and is attempting to focus on her career, which is of paramount relevance to her. (2) Without going into the ethical angle of the vices, it needs to be conceded that Nancy’s indulgence in them (vices) is also a form of subtle rebellion against the hypocritical norms of the male chauvinistic society. As has been stated earlier, the era of Postmodernism is marked by rewriting all those past conventions that were turning out to be impediments in the growth of various spheres. Nancy Loughin, in her own way, is also contributing her mite to this objective of the era of postmodernism. Nancy’s matter-of-fact and professional approach at the clinic is adding further strength to her image as a courageous and an assertive woman of the Postmodern World. (2) After examining the important facets of the story’s main character, it would now be worthwhile in shifting the focus to the manner in which the overall story is written, and relating the same to literary works of the tradition-oriented era. First and foremost, a special mention needs to be made of the fact that “Born Again” is written in a simple style so as to enable even common people to develop an apt understanding of the story. That was not the case with works of the past period, where most of the forms of art were designed by keeping in view the preferences of the intellectuals and the highly literate. That such profiles constitute just a small minority in the society warrants no special mention. (2) Secondly, a vivid reflection of postmodern trends is perceived by both the pattern in which the story progresses, and also by the contents included therein. “Born Again” is against the backdrop of a modern-day city, but it also encompasses an element of the supernatural, as is evident by the twist in the story, when Nancy gets pregnant owing to the influence of an invisible supernatural entity. Blending the contemporary pattern of life with the aspect of paranormal could be conveniently rated as an unprecedented literary innovation, the likes of which are a rarity in the past, if not totally non-existent. This again speaks volumes of the postmodern facets that are strikingly conspicuous in “Born Again”. (2) “Born Again” – A Comparison with “Rosemary’s Baby” A convenient comparison can be drawn between the story (Born Again) and the movie (Rosemary’s baby), as both of them encompass the involvement of an evil supernatural force. The central characters of both the story and also the movie are impregnated by the lovemaking act of an invisible entity. In “Rosemary’s Baby”, it is clear beyond any ray of doubt that the baby of Rosemary is a part of Satan. The baby would further the nefarious objectives of Satan, after commencing its earthly existence. Though there is no direct mention of Satan in “Born Again”, yet, based on the way the story progresses, it is inferred that the baby growing in the womb of Nancy Loughin is similar to the one of Rosemary – a part of Satan! (3) In the movie, there are many people around Rosemary who are adherents of the Satan Cult and hence, are interested in her baby. Likewise, even in the story, Nancy is repeatedly being confronted by many persons pertaining to a cult. But here, the major difference is that in “Born Again”, the particular cult is a one pertaining to Godly Power, and which has got aware of the fact that the baby related to the evil is growing in her womb. It could be concluded that the members (of the cult) have ordered Nancy to deliver the baby, and then handover it to them. Though it is not that clear, still, it could be inferred that this cult would be destroying the baby in the manner stipulated for vanquishing a paranormal evil power. (3) Lastly, a brief comparison needs to be drawn between Nancy Loughin and Rosemary. A mere superficial study of both the characters would suffice in understanding that the former is more courageous than the latter. Even after knowing that some supernatural force is involved in her life, Nancy is not losing her courage and mental balance. On the other hand, Rosemary is allowing all similar circumstances to take a powerful grip of her life, even to the extent of jeopardizing her health. (3) Conclusion There could be many aspects that have been excluded while drawing comparisons in the previous section, and the same is attributable to the fact that the essay is a brief one. Yet, a sincere attempt has been made in encompassing all the points of utmost importance. SOURCES 1) “What is Postmodernism?”, wisegeek.com/what-is-postmodernism.htm, Internet, wiseGEEK, ND. 2) “Born Again”, academia-research.com/files/instr/437632_B1.pdf, Internet, Anne Billson, 1993. “Born Again”, academia-research.com/files/instr/437632_B2.pdf, Internet, Anne Billson, 1993. 3) “Rosemary’s Baby”, imdb.com/title/tt0063522/plotsummary, Internet, IMBD, ND (Kindly note that the second source is just the PDF File uploaded by you, and the third is the one that I used for comparing “Born Again” with “Rosemary’s Baby”.) Read More