Final answer:
British fiction from the 1990s to the present has reflected the postmodernist influence of late 20th-century American literature, depicting thematic complexity and a multicultural society. It embraces diverse voices, experimental narratives, and the impact of a digital and globalized world, often revisiting historical periods for contemporary contrast.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Tendencies in British Fiction from the 1990s to the Present
British fiction from the 1990s to the present has been marked by several distinctive trends reflecting the evolving social, political, and technological landscape of the era. Initially influenced by the postmodernist tendencies of the late 20th-century American literature that capitalized on the 'textuality' of experiences, British authors increasingly engaged with the fragmented nature of reality in a media-saturated world. Thematic complexity, the blurring of genres, and the rise of experimental narratives are characteristic of this period, often echoing earlier literary movements such as Gothic tales and Victorian Realism. The era also witnesses authors grappling with identity in a multicultural society, an aspect that is prevalent in both American and British literature, raising questions regarding national and individual identity.
Escalating diversity and the shift towards a digitalized and globalized world are echoed in contemporary British fiction. Storytelling arguably became more inclusive, mirroring the variety of voices within the UK, such as those from different ethnic backgrounds and gender identities. This multicultural dimension in the literature speaks to a broader audience and explores the nuances of the British experience.
British fiction from this era does not shy away from the past but often revisits historical periods such as the Victorian age, perhaps as a means to draw parallels or contrast with contemporary times. It does so by blending different narrative techniques and genres, such as the incorporation of magical realism, alternate histories, and dystopian futures. As technology advanced, especially since the advent of the internet, British literature also began to mirror the complexities of life in the digital age.