If you are a book lover, knowing the difference between kinds of literature is essential but often overlooked. It is always a good idea to know the classification and period before you begin a book, as it will help you understand the plot of the piece, what kind of literary expressions are being used, and why.

You do not need to be an English Literature student to know the difference; this guide will break it down so you don’t need to search the internet to ascertain classic vs. modern literature. Knowing which period appeals to you and its classification can help a great deal when going book shopping.

Many bookstores, whether online or physical, categorize their books along the lines of classic literature vs. modern literature.

Let’s find out what the difference is.

Modern Vs. Contemporary Literature

Modern

Modern and Contemporary literature is classified based on period. It is pretty simple to know the difference because modern literature is from the late nineteenth century to the 1960s. Modern literature's main feature is its style departs from classic and traditional writings.

When you think of reading modern literature, you will note that the style of writing and content will be different and vastly different compared to traditional writers. Urbanization, the Industrial Revolution, and the World Wars all led to this significant change in writing. 

They used inner monologues and satire to convey ideas and opinions through their novels. Many great modern literature masterpieces occur in North America and Europe.

Modern literature authors include Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, Joseph Conrad, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, William Butler Yeats, and Virginia Woolf Ernest Hemingway, Joseph Conrad, T.S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, William Butler Yeats, Virginia Woolf, T.S. Eliot, and Sylvia Plath.

Contemporary

Contemporary literature is any writing written after the second world war till the present day. So contemporary literature takes off from where modern literature ends. 

The main difference between contemporary and modern literature is that in contemporary literature, more emphasis is given to the plot and characters of the novels. This means that books are set in reality and focus on the trials and tribulations of the main characters.

Contemporary works are set in countries worldwide and include African American literature.

The Difference

As seen above, the difference between contemporary and modern literature is the difference in the period. We have touched upon other differences, but if you are confused about whether a book should be classified as current or contemporary, looking at when it was published should help clarify things.

Anything written from the late nineteenth century to the 1960s is modern, and anything after the second world war till the present day is contemporary. 

Then what is Classic Literature?

Now that we know what modern and contemporary are let us discuss classic literature vs. modern literature. Classic literature is cross-cutting, meaning you can have a modern or contemporary classic depending upon which period it is written in.

The main elements that make a book a classic are if it is well-known and of high literary standard. Classics usually explore timeless and universal themes that everyone can relate to. Classics will usually examine how humans behave, whether regarding love, hate, truth, power, life, death, or beauty.

Think of big themes that can affect anyone. Famous classic novels include The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Catcher in the Rye, Little Women, etc.  

The classics will stand the test of time and be recognized no matter how many years go by. Many classics are translated into another language so people around the world can read them, as the themes discussed are universal and can touch all readers irrespective of language, religion, and nationality.

Classics will usually have study guides that explain many of the themes and character summaries so that readers can further understand the depth of the writing. Now that you know classic vs. modern literature and what contemporary literature is, you are all set to go book shopping!

Here’s hoping you find your next favourite novel today!

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