MODERNIST LITERATURE

BLOG ASSIGNMENT #2: Modernist Literature

1. Which two readings did you choose?

- Greene, G. The Quiet American (Britain, 1955-novel)

- Hammett, D. The Maltese Falcon (USA, 1930- novel)

2. Compare (3) and contrast (3) the reading you completed with the ppt. on Modernist culture and literature.

The Quiet american: The novel is set in Vietnam, the war really happened it was the French indochina's war. It has a free direct speech about America (USA), the author expressed his political thoughts in the novel. In the novel the author expressed the change with the traditional thoughts and moralities and in the book it is shown with the main character. He was involved with a young escort and he was married in his country.

The Maltese Falcon: The main character is an individualistic person before the death of his co-worker. There is another thematic in his novel, this is the breakdown of social norms because Spide is a detective and as a lawman he supposes to be a correct man but he wasn't, he was involeved in an extramarital relationship and in a crime. The speech of the author is ironic and bitter, there is a kind of consciousness in the novel.

3. In your opinion, do you feel the readings you completed are very good or excellnt examples of modernist literature?

In the quiet American, the author showed par of his life in the book. Most of the themes were based on his experience; some critics said that the novel was a prophecy because that really happened some years later. I think this book is a good example of modernits literature.

In the case of the Maltese Falcon I liked the irony in novels because the author can say what he wanted to express in a different manner. I love detective's novels, I thought I just liked when everything was right, but with this novel there was little change with my likes I sitll like the other kind of novel but I just add this other ones. this novel is also a good example of modernist literature because it shows the reality of the societies.

4. Would you recommend these readings to your friends and / or family? Why / why not?

when I chose these books it was just because of their names, I did not think that they could be good books, but more than that I liked how they showed us a reality about the last century til now. I recommend these books to people who is not depress because it shows the ugly truth of the societies.