Postmodernism is a difficult term to define, as it is evident in many different disciplines, such as art, literature, architecture, technology, and, the precise emerging moment of this movement is also hard to identify. In order to truly understand `Postmodernism,' one must first identify with `Modernism' and it's subsequent decline which led to the appearance of the Post-modern ear.
Postmodernism, a term that, by its own definition, is difficult to define, is a line of thought that goes against the established theories of modernism. Postmodernism was brought to the fore during the second half of the twentieth century and still remains the discipline of choice of many historians today. It is best known, and equally best hated, for its scepticism. Before we get as far as the way history has been told, postmodernism examines the way history is. For instance, R.G. Collingwood constantly states in `The Idea of History' that history is the `history of thought.'
Postmodern art breaks down the boundaries of art by challenging the audience's perceptions through the use of several art traditions with reference to contemporary society. Seen as a schism from modernism, postmodernist concepts and viewpoints challenge the conventional tradition of art as being precious and unique. The works of various postmodern artists illustrate this point.
Postmodernism challenges mainstream views on art, life and society. A successful artwork causes the viewer to re-evaluate the ideas of artistic practice and a masterpiece, challenges their values and worth and suggests new ways of doing things. It blurs the line between high and low art, and elevates the everyday.
Around 1946 Postmodernist literature arose. Writers and thinkers of the time extended the former modernist characteristics to the extreme. A well-known postmodernist author is Kurt Vonnegut. New American Fiction and the Practice of Criticism gave different reasons for Slaughterhouse Five's success.
