Meaning: Terry Eagleton, a prominent literary theorist and critic, offers a thought-provoking perspective on postmodernism in his quote, "Postmodernism is among other things a sick joke at the expense of revolutionary avant-gardism." This quote encapsulates Eagleton's critical view of postmodernism as a movement that undermines the revolutionary spirit of avant-garde art and philosophy. To fully understand Eagleton's perspective, it is essential to explore the context and implications of his statement.

In contemporary intellectual discourse, postmodernism is often associated with a skeptical attitude towards grand narratives, a rejection of absolute truth, and a celebration of fragmentation, paradox, and ambiguity. It emerged as a reaction against the perceived dogmatism and rigidity of modernist movements, which sought to establish universal truths and principles. Postmodernism, on the other hand, embraces plurality, diversity, and the dissolution of boundaries between high and low culture, art and everyday life, and various forms of knowledge.

Eagleton's characterization of postmodernism as a "sick joke" suggests a deep sense of disillusionment and even disdain for the movement. He seems to view postmodernism as a cynical and disingenuous endeavor that mocks the earnest aspirations of the avant-garde, which historically sought to challenge established norms and provoke radical social and cultural change. Avant-garde movements, such as Dadaism, Surrealism, and Futurism, aimed to disrupt conventional artistic and societal conventions, often with an underlying commitment to progressive politics and the liberation of the human spirit.

Eagleton's critique of postmodernism can be seen as a lament for the loss of genuine radicalism and the co-optation of subversive impulses by the cultural mainstream. By characterizing postmodernism as a "sick joke," he implies that the movement's playful and ironic deconstructions ultimately serve to neutralize or commodify the avant-garde's revolutionary potential. In Eagleton's view, postmodernism's emphasis on pastiche, past cultural references, and self-referentiality can be interpreted as a form of cultural regression rather than a genuine break from tradition.

Furthermore, Eagleton's assertion that postmodernism comes "at the expense of revolutionary avant-gardism" highlights his concern that the critical and transformative energy of avant-garde movements has been diluted or distorted in the postmodern context. Instead of fostering genuine subversion and societal critique, postmodernism, as Eagleton sees it, has become complicit with the dominant forces of consumer capitalism and spectacle. This aligns with the broader critique of postmodernism as a depoliticized and apolitical cultural phenomenon that prioritizes style over substance and marketability over genuine innovation.

In conclusion, Terry Eagleton's quote encapsulates a critical perspective on postmodernism, highlighting its perceived departure from the revolutionary ethos of avant-garde movements. His characterization of postmodernism as a "sick joke" at the expense of avant-gardism underscores his disillusionment with the movement's cultural and political implications. While postmodernism continues to provoke diverse interpretations and debates, Eagleton's critique offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between artistic innovation, cultural critique, and the dynamics of power in contemporary society.