What is called an Anthology? "The Modern Age" in the History of English Literature: How can it be Anthologied?

"A well chosen anthology is a complete dispensary of medicine for the more common mental disorders, and may be used as much for prevention as cure."

Robert Graves (1895 - 1985)

British poet and novelist

On English Poetry

An anthology, derived from the Greek word meaning "flower gathering," is essentially a collection of literary works, usually from various authors, chosen for their cultural, artistic, or historical value. These curated collections date back centuries, with notable examples like Meleager of Gadara’s anthology in 90 BC, which compiled poems from various Greek poets, and Tottel’s Miscellany (1557), featuring works by Nicholas Grimald, Thomas Wyatt, and Henry Howard, showcasing the early development of English poetry. Anthologies such as The Golden Treasury of English Songs and Lyrics by Francis Turner Palgrave and The Oxford Book of English Verse compiled by multiple editors reflect the tastes, sensibilities, and cultural aesthetics of their time.

Anthologizing the Modern Age of English Literature

To anthologize the Modern Age in English literature would indeed be a captivating endeavor. This period, spanning roughly from the late 19th century through the 20th century, is marked by significant artistic, intellectual, and social shifts, often characterized by experimentation and a response to rapid changes in society, technology, and thought.

A well-curated anthology on the Modern Age would have to emphasize diversity in voices and forms, carefully presenting key works that embody the period’s defining traits. This selection could reflect the era’s literary breadth, ranging from modernist experiments to post-colonial critiques and existentialist themes. Here are some essential considerations and a possible structure for such an anthology:

1. Scope and Purpose: The anthology should offer readers not only a sampling of literary pieces but an understanding of how the works reflect the vast landscape of the modern period’s cultural and societal concerns. It should aim for accessibility while maintaining academic rigor, blending works of critical interest with an approach that is more appreciative than overly critical.

2. Selection of Works: Representative works could include:

   • Drama: Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest for its satirical critique of Victorian society.
   • Modernist Fiction: Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse and E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India, which embody modernist narrative techniques and themes of identity, empire, and individual experience.
   • Psychological Exploration: D.H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers, for its exploration of psychological and familial complexities.
   • Biography and Critique: Lytton Strachey’s Queen Victoria, a candid, psychological biography.
   • Social and Political Critique: George Bernard Shaw’s Man and Superman, which explores philosophical themes and critiques society.
   • Poetry: W.B. Yeats’s selected poetry and T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral, both offering insight into the spiritual and existential quandaries of the age.

3. Reader-Centric Design: Recognizing the anthology's readers is essential for success. Many anthologies are built around the needs of both casual readers and students. This selection would ideally maintain a straightforward structure with critical, but clear, insights on each work’s significance in the broader context of Modern English literature. Profuse illustrations or explanatory footnotes could enrich the reader's experience without overwhelming them with jargon.

4. Editorial Approach: Anthologizing the Modern Age requires a methodical arrangement. Works could be organized chronologically or thematically, showing the progression of literary movements or shared themes like alienation, the search for identity, the questioning of traditional values, and the exploration of consciousness.

5. Illustrative Support: Modern literature often reflects complex psychological and societal themes, so using accessible language and visual aids (perhaps illustrations or brief historical contexts) would help readers navigate challenging ideas. These aids would serve as "medicinal" elements, as Robert Graves suggested, easing the reading process and fostering deeper engagement with the material.

In crafting an anthology on the Modern Age, the editor's ultimate goal would be to produce a collection that not only serves as an academic resource but also a "dispensary" of literary works that speaks to common human experiences. In doing so, the anthology could meet the fundamental purpose of such a collection—offering readers a profound and lasting connection to the enduring themes of the Modern Age.

 Ardhendu De