Engagement in Postmodern Literature

The following passage is an excerpt from a literary analysis of postmodernist literature:

Postmodernism is characterized not only by its rejection of grand narratives but also by its ironic self-awareness and playful engagement with texts. This literary movement often adopts pastiche, blending diverse styles and genres to subvert traditional notions of authorship and originality. The result is a disorienting experience for readers, who are invited to question not only the text but also the very act of reading itself. Additionally, postmodernist works frequently feature unreliable narrators and fragmented narratives, leading to a kaleidoscopic representation of reality that reflects the complexity of contemporary existence.

One striking example of postmodern literature is Thomas Pynchon's 'Gravity's Rainbow,' which challenges linear storytelling and features a multitude of characters and subplots. This chaotic structure mirrors the unpredictability of the modern world and underscores the idea that meaning is not inherent but constructed through interpretation.