Modernist Poetry as a Reaction to Context Stephanie Lee 10th Grade

The Modernist Era was a time of radical departure from a traditions-orientated society and a journey of discovery to a new form of expression. As a result, the poetry produced during the era was reflective of this change. Specifically, T.S Eliot's ‘Morning at the Window (1914) and Adrienne Rich’s ‘What Kind of Times are These’ (1991) display a reaction to the context of their time from a societal point of view whilst communicating the opinions and thoughts of the poet. ‘Morning at the Window’ displays the poet’s reaction to the beginning of the First World War and the poverty and feelings of sympathy that came hand in hand with the destructions of the War. ‘What Kind of Times are These’ depicts the events and socio-political issues of the turn of the 21st century and Rich’s disdain towards the neglect of societal matters and the glorification of material values. However, both poets criticize societal ideals and instead coax audiences to see instead of the harsh realities of the world.

Morning at the Window is reflective of the dawn of the First World War and communicates Eliot’s reaction to the significant events. Eliot believed that poetry was able to speak to people about the harsh realities of life with the abandonment of...