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Unveiling the Modernist Imagination in Late Colonial Korea: A Journey through the Weatherhead Studies

Jayson Powell

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Published in When The Future Disappears: The Modernist Imagination In Late Colonial Korea (Studies Of The Weatherhead East Asian Institute Columbia University)

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During the late colonial period in Korea (1910-1945),a vibrant and multifaceted literary and intellectual movement emerged, reflecting the complex cultural and political landscape of the time. The Weatherhead Studies, a collection of groundbreaking research conducted by scholars at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University, offers invaluable insights into this fascinating era.

When the Future Disappears: The Modernist Imagination in Late Colonial Korea (Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University)

by Janet Poole

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Language	:	English
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Exploring the Modernist Imagination

The Modernist Imagination was a global artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional forms and a fascination with fragmentation, ambiguity, and the subconscious. In late colonial Korea, this movement intersected with the unique political and social circumstances, resulting in a distinctive literary and intellectual landscape.

Literary Innovations

Korean writers of this period experimented with new literary techniques and styles, influenced by both Western modernism and traditional Korean aesthetics. They explored themes of alienation, identity, and the search for meaning amidst the turmoil of colonialism.

Intellectual Currents

The Weatherhead Studies uncover the intellectual underpinnings of the modernist imagination in late colonial Korea. Scholars examine the influence of Western philosophy, Marxist thought, and Korean nationalism on the development of new ideas and perspectives.

Highlights from the Weatherhead Studies

The Weatherhead Studies encompass a wide range of topics, shedding light on various aspects of Korean modernism:

1. Literature and Colonialism

Studies explore the ways in which Korean literature responded to the colonial experience, reflecting the complexities of power, resistance, and cultural identity.

2. The Rise of the Modern Novel

The Weatherhead Studies analyze the rise of the modern novel in Korea, examining its formal and thematic innovations and its role in shaping Korean literary history.

3. The Role of Women Writers

Particular attention is given to the contributions of women writers during this period, who played a pivotal role in shaping the modernist landscape and challenging traditional gender roles.

4. The Legacy of Modernism

The studies trace the lasting impact of Korean modernism on subsequent generations of writers and intellectuals, demonstrating its enduring relevance.

The Weatherhead Studies provide a comprehensive and nuanced account of the modernist imagination in late colonial Korea. By exploring the literary innovations, intellectual currents, and cultural context of the period, these studies shed light on a vibrant and complex chapter in Korean history that continues to resonate today.

For those interested in East Asian studies, Korean literature, or the history of modernism, the Weatherhead Studies are an invaluable resource, offering fresh insights and expanding our understanding of this fascinating era.

A Photo Of The Weatherhead East Asian Institute At Columbia University When The Future Disappears: The Modernist Imagination In Late Colonial Korea (Studies Of The Weatherhead East Asian Institute Columbia University)