A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Futurism

Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas and create a unique aesthetic in their written work. Futurism, as a literary style, emerged as an avant-garde movement in the early 20th century, celebrating technological advancements, dynamism, and the energy of modern urban life. Futurist literature aims to capture the spirit of progress, speed, and change, often rejecting traditional forms and embracing innovative techniques.

Key Features of Futurism in Literature:

1. Celebration of Technology and Progress: Futurist literature exalts technology, machinery, and the rapid advancements of the modern era. It embraces the excitement and potential of a rapidly changing world.

2. Speed and Dynamism: Futurist works seek to convey a sense of speed, movement, and energy. Language and imagery reflect the fast-paced nature of modern life, often using fragmented sentences and rapid shifts.

3. Simultaneity: Futurism explores simultaneity, capturing multiple sensations, events, or perspectives happening simultaneously. This reflects the sensory overload of urban environments.

4. Onomatopoeia and New Language: Futurist literature experiments with language by using onomatopoeic words, neologisms, and unconventional syntax to convey the dynamic and noisy nature of the modern world.

5. Rejection of Tradition: Futurism rejects traditional literary forms and seeks to break away from conventional structures and aesthetics. It often challenges established norms of storytelling and composition.

6. Provocation and Controversy: Futurist works often aim to provoke and challenge the status quo. They may be deliberately controversial and confrontational in their content and style.

7. Visual and Spatial Language: Futurist literature may incorporate visual and spatial elements to mimic the visual arts movement of Futurism, emphasizing the movement, fragmentation, and abstraction seen in visual works.

Representatives of Futurist Literature:

1. Filippo Tommaso Marinetti (1876—1944): An Italian poet and the founder of the Futurist movement. His manifesto "Futurist Manifesto" outlined the movement's principles and set the tone for its literary and artistic endeavors.

2. Velimir Khlebnikov (1885—1922): A Russian poet and playwright associated with Russian Futurism. His works, such as the poem "Zangezi," explore themes of language, time, and transformation.

3. F.T. Prince (1912—2003): An English poet known for his involvement in the British Futurist movement. His poem "Soldiers Bathing" captures the influence of Futurism on his work.

4. David Burliuk (1882—1967): A Ukrainian poet, artist, and founder of Russian Futurism. His poem "The Radio of the Future" reflects the movement's fascination with technology and innovation.

5. Mina Loy (1882—1966): An English-American poet and writer associated with Futurism and avant-garde movements. Her poem "Brancusi's Golden Bird" explores modernity and abstraction.

These representatives illustrate how Futurism as a literary style embraces the energy, technology, and dynamism of the modern world, often using innovative language and techniques to convey its themes and ideas.