In addition to suggesting meanings, which literary technique did modernist writers frequently employ?

• A. They suggested rather than outright stated their meanings.
• B. They used symbols and allusions to suggest themes.
• C. They avoided symbolism altogether.
• D. They adhered strictly to traditional plot structures.

Answer: (B)

Modernist writers frequently carry meaning through symbols and allusions. By embedding themes in images, objects, and references to other texts or myths, they invite readers to infer multiple layers of significance rather than delivering everything directly. This technique fits the modernist emphasis on ambiguity, intertextuality, and the fragmentation of experience, as seen in works that weave together cultural references to create deeper resonance.

Symbolism and allusion are not just about hinting at ideas; they provide a structured way to convey complex themes that surface only through interpretation. The other ideas miss this core practice: symbolism was central, not avoided; traditional plot structures were often abandoned in favor of experimental forms; and while suggestion is part of modernist writing, the most distinctive and defining method is embedding meaning through symbols and allusions.