Modernist literature emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the rapid changes in society, technology, and culture. It is characterized by a break from traditional narrative forms and a focus on new techniques, such as stream of consciousness and fragmented structures. Writers sought to capture the complexities of modern life and the inner workings of the human mind. Key figures in modernist literature include James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and T.S. Eliot. Their works often explore themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world. This movement significantly influenced subsequent literary styles and continues to be studied for its innovative approaches.