How did myth and symbolism function in Modernist writing?

In Modernist literature, myth and symbolism functioned as essential tools to navigate the fragmentation and disillusionment of the post-World War I era. Writers employed these elements to provide structure, depth, and a sense of universality to their works, often contrasting the perceived sterility of contemporary life with the grandeur of the past.123

The Role of Myth

Modernist authors frequently utilized classical myths as a structural foundation to organize complex, often chaotic, narratives. By drawing parallels between mundane modern experiences and ancient heroic epics, writers could elevate their subject matter and highlight the irony of the modern condition.3
* Structural Framework: In James Joyce’s Ulysses, the structure of Homer’s Odyssey serves as a "bridge" to organize the events of a single day in Dublin, giving the lives of ordinary characters a sense of epic significance.43
* Thematic Contrast: T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land uses the legend of the Grail and various mythological allusions to portray a spiritually empty, fragmented world, contrasting it with the moral grandeur of antiquity.2

The Function of Symbolism

Symbolism allowed Modernist writers to move beyond literal description to evoke the "ineffable" states of the human mind and the underlying mysteries of existence.56
* Subtle Significance: Symbols often appear as naturalistic details that carry deeper, sub-narrative meanings. For example, the spectacles in The Great Gatsby function as a naturalistic detail while simultaneously symbolizing "divine myopia" regarding the era's tragedy.3
* Emotional Expression: Influenced by the Symbolist movement, Modernists used highly personal metaphors and image patterns to communicate subjective emotional experiences, often prioritizing these harmonies over traditional narrative progression.56

By integrating these elements, Modernist literature sought to reconcile the alienation of modern society with a timeless awareness of human experience.23