What Is Contemporary Literature? Definition, Themes, and Examples

Contemporary literature refers to written works produced from the mid-20th century to the present. While opinions vary, most agree this literary period began around the 1940s, particularly following World War II. Some scholars see it as a continuation of postmodern literature, while others view it as a distinct literary era.

Contemporary literature includes both poetry and prose, covering a wide range of genres, voices, and perspectives. It’s defined not just by when it was written, but also by its themes, style, and approach to storytelling.

When Did Contemporary Literature Begin?

Most timelines mark the start of contemporary literature around 1945, at the end of WWII. This period overlaps with the postmodern movement, which emerged in the 1940s and extended through the 1960s. However, contemporary literature is broad in scope and continues to this day.

What Counts as Contemporary Literature?

Contemporary literature usually includes:

• Novels
• Short stories
• Poetry
• Plays
• Memoirs and autobiographies
• Flash fiction
• Creative nonfiction (narrative writing based on real events, told with literary style)

Importantly, contemporary literature isn’t limited to American or British authors. Global voices from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond are now key contributors to this literary era.

Themes and Traits of Contemporary Literature

Contemporary works often reflect the world we live in. Some common features include:

• Realistic, well-developed characters
• Modern or recent settings
• Character-driven stories over plot-heavy ones
• Exploration of social issues, identity, and personal struggles
• A sense of emotional complexity, especially rooted in post-war realities

While the writing style is modern, it often carries emotional weight. The emotions are often shaped byhistorical, cultural, and personal upheavals of the 20th and 21st centuries.

What Isn’t Considered Contemporary Literature?

Not all modern writing falls under the label of contemporary literature. Here’s what typically doesn’t count:

• Genre fiction like sci-fi or fantasy novels may be modern, but they’re often categorized separately
• Academic writing and journalism usually isn’t considered literature unless it uses creative or narrative techniques
• Social media posts, blogs, or commercial content, even if written recently, aren’t considered literature in this context.
• Works written before the mid-20th century (like those by Hemingway or Faulkner) may still be read today but are considered modernist or part of earlier literary periods.

In short, contemporary literature is more than just recent writing. It’s writing that reflects our time through a literary lens, with focus on language, character, and deeper meaning.