THE ELEMENTS OF MODERNISM IN THOMAS WOOLFE’S “YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN”

Abstract

This article examines the modernist elements in Thomas Wolfe’s You Can’t Go Home Again, a novel that captures the turbulence of the early 20th century. Modernism, as a literary movement, sought to break away from traditional forms and address the anxieties and uncertainties brought on by rapid societal, economic, and cultural changes. Wolfe’s protagonist, George Webber, symbolizes the modern individual, grappling with feelings of alienation and displacement as he navigates the challenges of fame, self-discovery, and a changing America. The novel explores themes of fragmented identity, the tension between tradition and progress, and the search for meaning in a world that feels increasingly unfamiliar. Wolfe’s use of a reflective and often nonlinear narrative style mirrors the modernist aim of capturing the inner workings of the human mind and the chaotic nature of modern existence. This study delves into the novel’s thematic depth, character development, and stylistic choices, offering insights into how Wolfe’s work embodies key aspects of modernist literature.