Here are some key characteristics of 20th-century poetry:

• Modernism: A break from traditional forms, embracing experimentation in language, structure, and style.
• Free Verse: Rejection of fixed forms and meter, allowing poets more freedom in structure and rhythm.
• Imagism: Focus on clarity, precision, and vivid imagery, often using concise language.
• Fragmentation: Themes and forms often fragmented to reflect the chaos and disillusionment of modern life.
• Stream of Consciousness: Poets explored inner thoughts and consciousness, reflecting a more personal and subjective experience.
• Existentialism: Themes of alienation, meaninglessness, and individualism appeared in many works.
• Symbolism: Use of symbols to express deeper meanings and evoke emotional responses.
• Surrealism: Incorporating dreams, the unconscious, and irrational elements into poetry.
• Political and Social Engagement: Many poets addressed war, inequality, and societal issues, especially in the wake of World Wars.
• Disillusionment and Cynicism: A response to global conflict, industrialization, and changing social norms.
• Intertextuality: Frequent references to other works of art, literature, and history, adding layers of meaning.
• Influence of Technology: As technology advanced, poets experimented with new forms and expressions to reflect the rapidly changing world.
• American vs. European Poets: The 20th century saw the rise of diverse poetic voices, especially in American poetry (e.g., T.S. Eliot, Wallace Stevens, and Langston Hughes), as opposed to the more European focus of the 19th century.

These traits contributed to a broad variety of poetic styles, each reacting to or reflecting the complexities of the 20th century.