1940s

The 1940s marked a transformative period for literature, shaped by the tumultuous events of World War II. Writers responded to the global conflict with works that reflected themes of adversity, resilience, and human struggle. War narratives and existentialist themes emerged, capturing the existential angst of the era. The decade also witnessed the rise of modernist and postmodernist experimentation, challenging traditional literary forms and conventions. Notable works such as George Orwell’s “1984” and Albert Camus’s “The Stranger” exemplify the diverse literary landscape of the time, characterised by a fusion of social commentary, philosophical inquiry, and artistic innovation.