A beginner’s guide to postmodern literature

Postmodernism in literature essentially means writing that’s concerned with writing itself. It’s a self-reflexive and metalinguistic approach; the idea is to pay attention to what frames the world, even the very ink and pages used to write, say, a story or poem. All of these are subjects in postmodernist thought, as though one is looking through infinite mirrors, explains John Eilermann, a St. Louis comparative literature student.

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In postmodernist literature, the narrator becomes heavily involved in the said framing, often coming across as questionable or open to scrutiny as the characters themselves. In other words, he or she is not detached from the narrative; unlike in the linear progression of modernist story arcs, the point of view can reflect the narrator, the medium, and even the reader in a paradoxical sort of way.

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One way to approach the postmodernist text is to treat both language and structure as part of the so-called “consciousness” of the work. Again, it’s the framing that’s most important, leading to this suspect or unreliable narrator. In any case, style and ideology merge to utilize literary terms like fragmentation, author self-referencing, dark humor, and parody.

Multiplicity in meaning is preferred in postmodernist literature over singular insights. This is because the idea is to involve the reader in the meaning-making, which we often see in devices or techniques such as intertextuality, non-linear timelines, metafiction, magical realism, and pastiche. St. Louis-based comparative literature student John Eilermann names Samuel Beckett and Bret Easton Ellis as two of the first purveyors of the postmodernist movement.

Comparative Literature studentJohn Eilermannis based in St. Louis, Missouri. He likes the cross-disciplinary approach of the program, which enables students to take courses in philosophy, politics, and culture while allowing for the intersection of literature and history. Visit this pagefor more of John’s writings.

More exercises to raise your endurance for soccer

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I’m John F. Eilermann Jr. and I love soccer. I’ve played it before when I was younger and I know just how hard it can be for people who are in no condition to run great distances at high speeds. Because of this, I’ve checked out a few new-age exercises on how to increase one’s cardiovascular and respiratory capacity for more endurance on the pitch. Let’s check them out. HIIT High intensity interval training or HIIT is a more recent style of training that has been adopted in new-age gyms everywhere. Athletes of every sport have been doing HIIT to supplement their drills to much success. HIIT includes exercises such as burpees and mountain climbers, which do wonders for soccer players.

Swimming Since soccer is hard on the joints of the legs, swimming may be a good complementary workout to increase endurance. Swimming is low-impact, which means your joints are safe. Swimming also increases your lung capacity as well as makes for better blood circulation, both of which are invaluable for soccer players.

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Run-Sprints Performing moderate running and high-speed sprinting at intervals is a great way to condition yourself for soccer. When playing a full game, there will be times you’ll need to go at full sprint and times you’ll simply be walking. Simulate this in an open area. For every 30 seconds of moderate running and brisk walking, do a full sprint of eight to 10 seconds.

Message me, John F Eilermann Jr., in the comments section below if you have any questions regarding soccer.

Hey guys, John Eilermann here. I’m fascinated by the many aspects of World War II. I also love soccer and look forward to every World Cup. More on the stuff I love can be found here.