Trends in World Literature in the 21st Century

• Across the globe, literature continues to blossom at the dawn of the 21st century
• This global diversity ensures that literature will endure as a pillar of human civilization
• The previous lesson was devoted to the tremendous impact of technology on literature—a matter that indeed merits its own chapter
• We turn now to genres and subject matter explored in 21st century literature
• Human genius goes beyond innovations in information and communication technology
• It has been proven throughout the history of civilization that humans never stop creating artistic ways of expression
• Science fiction


  A genre that lends itself to technological advancements, going strong since the 20th century and flourishing thanks to real-life innovations and discoveries
• Journeys through the cosmos and battles involving advanced weapons are no longer figments of our wildest imagination, but happen in real life with a frequency superior to any other period in human history
• Speculative fiction


  A genre that suggests futuristic scenarios, with a touch of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, and covers "what if" narratives where historical and even contemporary events are re-told with alternative perspectives or endings
• Speculative fiction has gained a following in the Philippines in recent years
• Graphic novels


  A genre where illustrations complement the story-telling achieved by the text, covering a range of subject matter from the colorful adventures of superhero-like characters to realistic depictions of society's ills
• Literary critics around the world have come to respect graphic novels as a genre not unlike traditional novels
• Flash fiction


  Takes brevity of style to a different level
• Works of flash fiction

  • Typically only have a few hundred words
  • In some instances, it takes the fictionist all of six words to tell the narrative
• Part of this genre's mystique


  The guesswork and reconstruction that the reader can do to unravel the words' meaning
• The influence of technology is unmistakable in flash fiction
• Transrealism


  A literary movement pioneered by Philip K. Dick in the 1970s and labelled by Rudy Rucker in 1983
• Works of transrealism


  • Deeply rooted in the realistic portrayal of life
  • Draw straight from the author's personal experiences
  • Reject elements like plot and superficial characters in favor of actual events and persons
• Transrealist text


  A text that taps into fantasy or evokes the horror genre, while being rooted in reality
• Transrealist text


  • An account that is otherwise rooted in reality suddenly takes an unexpected turn when an unknown substance or cosmic aliens suddenly emerge
• Transrealism


  • Though not even half a century old, it has picked up momentum as Western writers begin to adopt the genre
• It is fitting to end this discussion with a reflection on pressing issues and events in the global community today
• Technology has made it easier for cultures to connect

  The phenomenon of globalization endures
• There are groups and even entire countries that remain at odds
• The possibility of war and the threats of terrorism

  Cause paranoia and distrust, which make it difficult for diplomacy and good ties to be established
• Cultures around the world have become increasingly materialistic
• Individuals have come to be defined by their ability to purchase goods portrayed by society and media as "must-haves"
• Those who give in to this consumerist mindset easily lose their sense of contentment (if they could ever feel fulfilled, in the first place)
• These individuals feel isolated and empty
• Literature


  Serves to restore individual and cultural identity
• Literature has always been an outlet, a means for humans to express insights and sentiments
• In the 21st century-and, indeed, beyond — literature will continue to merge global cultures by being a sentinel of tradition and an agent of change