The modern age of English literature began in the early years of the twentieth century. Let's look at a few of its primary characteristics and styles.

First, modern authors tend to focus on the individual. They create vivid, dynamic characters and often follow their thoughts through the technique of stream of consciousness.

Second, modern authors experiment with techniques and forms. They are intent upon breaking with tradition and creating their own ways of writing and expressing themselves. The stream of consciousness technique is one of these new ways. Modern authors also tend to turn away from traditional story arcs, heroic characters, and descriptions of the natural world.

Third, modern authors are often obsessed with the absurd. Many of them lived through the First and Second World Wars, enduring chaos and death and losing faith in the order and integrity of humanity. The world seems absurd to them, and they incorporate that absurdity into their writing.

Fourth, modern authors use quite a bit of symbolism. They assign meanings to their characters, events, and settings that readers must figure out, like cracking a code. The literal sense of their stories is often less important the deeper symbolism.

Fifth, modern authors concentrate heavily on the form of their works. To them, writing is a craft that must be honed, and modern authors insert plenty of linguistic tricks, intricate and unresolved plots, irony, and satire into their works.