Explored the concept of literary modernity and its evolution and influence in the history of French literature. Author Forrest attempts to clarify the connotation and essence of modernity by reviewing the disruptive events, criticisms, and legacies it has caused in French literature. The book discusses key issues such as the relationship between modernity and avant-garde, the boundary between works and texts, and the difference between truth and reality, demonstrating the author's defense of literary modernity. At the same time, the author reflects on the trend of literary theory in recent years and points out that literature should not only pursue beautiful stories and improve reading experience, but should continue to explore the possibilities and innovations of language.

Modernity and Avantgarde: The Debate between Imitation and Innovation

Deeply explored the importance of modernity and avant-garde in literary criticism and the development of literary styles. Modernity is a concept that is difficult to define and changes over time, originating from the Latin word 'modernus', meaning' present ', used to distinguish between the Christian present and the pagan past. The time division of modernity varies in different fields, but it is generally believed to reflect the eternal pursuit of new things. Modernist literature usually dates back to 1857, and Baudelaire is considered the first theorist of modernity in the fields of literature and aesthetics. He emphasized the artist's insight and capture of beauty, but opposed comparing aesthetic modernity with social modernity.

Works and Texts: The Difference between Reality and Reality

Deeply explored the relationship between literary works and reality, as well as the understanding of works and texts by modern literary concepts. Traditionally, literary works have been seen as reflections of reality, but the modern literary view views works as texts, no longer reflecting reality, but focusing on their own poetic language and meaning generation process. Theorists such as Lacan and Bart have conducted in-depth analyses on the imitation of artistic works, the turning of texts, and the autonomy of language.

Postmodernism and Antimodernity: Between Inheritance and Denial

In depth exploration of the disillusionment of modernity, the beginning of a new era in literature in the 1980s, and its impact on the avant-garde. Roche believes that this is a regression of literature, while Vial and Vilche see it as a rebirth of literature. Forrest described this trend as the "Reformation of the Church," believing it to be a restoration of literary tradition, with Ulebeck representing the new naturalism. Postmodernism and anti modernity emerge in the new millennium, inheriting and liquidating modernity. Postmodernity is a complex concept, with Gonbanion pointing out its logical issues and Leotard defining it as a lack of trust in meta narratives. Forrest opposes the teleological perspective and believes that postmodernism is the rebirth and continuation of modernity. The characteristics of anti modernism include opposing revolution and enlightenment, questioning the human condition, and approaching early romanticism in aesthetics. Bart's late works demonstrate a detachment from modernity and are regarded as the last modernist and representative of postmodernism. Bart's self fiction writing embodies the symbiotic relationship between modernity and negativity. Forrest emphasized that negative thinking is the core of modernity, and literature should not solely serve its function. Everything Speechless "uses the image of waves to metaphorically describe the ups and downs of literary trends, abandoning teleological and Manichaean literary perspectives. In the face of media shock and cultural industry demands in 21st century literature, Forrest emphasized modernity and called for avant-garde critical thinking, believing that writers should change the world by transforming literature.