The Concept of International Theme in the Works of Henry James and E. M. Forster

The Concept of International Theme in the Works of Henry James and E. M. Forster

Mijanovic, Ljiljana

From Henry James, the central theme for the writers of Modernism is something which Peter Nicolas called ``shock of exile`` or cultural contrast. Starting his works with the idea of cultural contrast. Henry James made popular the international theme in literature, which would be followed successfully by many writers. Modernism is known as urban literal movement, but it was evident in that period many writers created outside of their native countries. Henry James and many writers of his generation their desires for something new, different from their own culture satisfied, having travelled across Europe. During the imperial expansion at the end of XIX century some writers such as Joseph Conrad, R. Kipling or E. M. Forster and many other writers, went outside of European borders, having written about cultures and civilizations completely different from European cultural heritage. E. M. Forster his concept of international theme based on comparison of cultural differences in Europe, but his creative interest was directed as well as toward eternal contrast between the Orient and the Occident. Modern texts registered new conscious about cultural heterogeneity which marked modern world. Whether it is word about fiction or travelling literature of modernism, meeting with the other culture and at the same time changes of both structures of cultures in contact are unavoidable, which Henry James and E. M. Forster emphasized in their works.

Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed

2012-05

897