The Question of Postmodernism

Abstract

The question is in many parts, yet it comes to this: can we perceive a new phenomenon in contemporary culture generally, and in contemporary literature particularly, that deserves a name? If so, will the provisional rubric postmodernism serve? How does this phenomenon-let us call it postmodernism-relate itself to other concepts, such as modernism or the avant-garde? And what theoretical and historical difficulties does it conceal?