Title: Postmodern Poetry:

Subject: David Kennedy’s “‘Just the Facts, Just the’: A Rough Guide to British Postmodernism”

Date:

<aside> 💡 Key Points:

• Main Ideas

• Key words

  • fragmentation
  • grand narratives
  • master narratives
  • intertextuality
  • irony
  • parody
  • pastiche
  • bricolage
  • double encoding
  • subject

• Questions that connect points

• Important points

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<aside> ✏️ Notes:

Main reading notes

From the Lecture

Post Modern Condition

• Theoretically, the post modern condition emerged out of Lyotard’s attack against Habermas a foundationalist who claimed that the notions associated with the Enlightenment such as reason and progress are the basis of modernity. Lyotard criticizes Habermas for his promotion of these notions what he calls “grand narratives” or “master narratives”. Lyotard dismisses these master narratives of progression and reason in favor of the contingent and provisional he defines such dismissal as the post modern condition according to Lyotard, Post modernity refines our sensitivity to differences and our ability to tolerate the in-commensurable which means incalculable
• In terms of their attitude of modernity, post modernity seems to a continuation of modernism
• Contingent- provisional
• Foundation- modernism As in Elliot’s Wasteland ( King Fischer)
• In other words Post modern condition what stays outside the center comes to the front. Post modernity tends to be inclusive of what has been formerly seen as the in-ordinary or the marginal. Post modernity carries the ethical mi…. of decentralizing the former grand narratives in order to give speeches to peripheries
• Anglican, male, hetero-normal.
• Post modernity lay bare the constructed nature of reality
• Ex-centric everything that stays outside of the center. Marginalized, peripheries, are historically silenced or oppressed.
• Discourse refers to historical, social, cultural, political systems that produce knowledge and meaning. Power= Knowledge, power holders uses discourses to dominate
• Gender as cultural, social construct.
• Discourses have power-enforcing function, they give power to those fit into the meaning and knowledge produce by them.
• They can also be used to oppress and marginalize those who stay outside the formulated meanings
• Basically rejecting the foundations is the main point
• No identity in Post modern it is “subject”
• Fragmentation* every aspect in literature
• Mocking the full identity
• Parody undermine the source text with. discontinuity? Parody mimics or imitates another literary work in order to mock that work author or its style
• Pastiche is a playful reference to a master work, artist or style without parodic function
• Bricolage refers to the act of bringing together, several styles or work in order to create smt new
• “double encoding” Linda, it installs or subverts norms or meanings. It uses and abuses”
• Post modernity privileges sub universes of meanings over paramount reality”
• Through parody Post modern texts installs or subverts norms or meanings
• Parody and Pastiche helps the artist to express reverence and heresy, deference, irony and distance.

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<aside> 📎 Summary:

A brief summary and conclusion by ai but my note taking

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<aside> 📎 Ai Summary that without reading myself:

A brief summary and conclusion about the notes/lecture

David Kennedy’s "New Relations: The Refashioning of British Poetry, 1980-1994" examines the transformation of British poetry during the late 20th century, focusing on how postmodernism influenced poetic themes, styles, and the publishing landscape. Here’s a summary of the key points from the "A Rough Guide to British Postmodernism" section:

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. Postmodern Poetic Techniques:
   • Postmodern British poetry often rejects traditional forms and embraces fragmentation, intertextuality, and irony.
   • It is characterized by a mix of high and low culture, using everyday language and contemporary references.
   • Poets experiment with form and voice, breaking away from the formal and structured approach of earlier generations.
2. Shift from Romanticism and Modernism:
   • Postmodern poets move away from the Romantic idealization of nature and the Modernist quest for truth and depth.
   • Instead, they focus on plurality and ambiguity, reflecting a skeptical and ironic worldview.
3. Themes of Identity and Culture:
   • There is a strong focus on identity politics, including issues of class, race, and gender.
   • Poets like Carol Ann Duffy and Simon Armitage explore urban and social themes, blending personal reflection with cultural critique.
4. Influence of Popular Culture:
   • Postmodern poetry often incorporates elements of popular culture, reflecting the blurring of boundaries between high art and mass media.
   • This makes poetry more accessible to a wider audience, moving away from the elitism of traditional poetry.
5. Irony and Playfulness:
   • The tone of postmodern poetry tends to be playful and ironic, with a self-aware and often self-deprecating stance.
   • There’s an emphasis on questioning authority and established narratives, making the poetic voice less authoritative and more fragmented.
6. Market and Publishing Shifts:

Prominent Poets and Works:

• Simon Armitage: Combines vernacular speech with lyricism, focusing on contemporary British life.
• Carol Ann Duffy: Challenges gender norms and reflects on identity and relationships.
• Glyn Maxwell and Peter Reading: Experiment with voice, tone, and social critique, often highlighting societal decay and human vulnerability.

Conclusion:

Kennedy's analysis shows how British poetry in the postmodern era becomes more dynamic, accessible, and socially relevant, while still maintaining a critical and reflective edge. It challenges canonical standards and reflects a pluralistic, multicultural society. The rise of spoken word poetry and literary festivals also demonstrates how poetry became more engaged with public life and culture during this period.

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