Final answer:
A middle example of modernity in 'The Hollow Men' is the poem's fragmented narrative structure, characteristic of the modernist literary movement that embraces experimental forms and reflects societal shifts of the 1920s.
Step-by-step explanation:
A middle example of modernity in 'The Hollow Men' (1925), a poem by T.S. Eliot, could be the fragmented narrative structure, which is characteristic of modernist literature. This poem embodies modernist themes through its disjointed lines and verses, reflecting the disillusionment and fragmentation of the post-World War I era. The modernist movement, particularly in the 1920s, was marked by a departure from the structured forms of the past to embrace new and experimental artistic expressions.
The practice of using unconventional forms and structures in literature during that time can be compared to works like those described in Middletown: A Study in Modern American Culture, a sociological study by Robert and Helen Lynd that provided an in-depth analysis of the changes in American life. The study's success, attributed to its groundbreaking approach and content, is an instance of modernity in a sociological context. Similarly, 'The Hollow Men' reflects modernity within literature by presenting themes of emptiness and the disintegration of culture, which align with the broader societal shifts towards skepticism and rejection of established norms. The poem's modernist elements serve as a representation of the prevailing attitude of challenging traditional narratives and embracing new perspectives in art and culture.