The Birth of American Modernism (1914-1946)

Definition Robert Wohl – “Modernism is a response by clusters of intellectuals and artists to the converging processes of industrialization” In Other Words… Modernism is the reaction of artists and writers to the new society formed because of industrialization.

Literary Modernism: 1914-1946 Aspects high degree of experimentation. characters most often alienated people searching unsuccessfully for meaning and love in their lives themes pulled from real life.

AFTER THE GREAT WAR The devastation of World War I brought about an end to the sense of optimism that characterized the years leading up to the war. This more negative, or realistic, view of the world, and the technological advances, gave birth to Modernism

Value Differences in the Modern World Pre-Modern World Modern World (Early 20th Century) Ordered Chaotic Meaningful Futile Optimistic Pessimistic Stable Fluctuating Faith Loss of faith Morality/Values Collapse of Morality/Values Clear Sense of Identity Confused Sense of Identity and Place in the World

Themes of Modern Literature Collectivism versus individualism Disillusionment Violence and alienation Decadence and decay Loss and despair Breakdown of social norms and cultural sureties Race and gender relations The American Dream 6

Theme of Alienation Sense of alienation in literature: The character belongs to a “lost generation” (Gertrude Stein) The character suffers from a “dissociation of sensibility”—separation of thought from feeling (T. S. Eliot) The character has “a Dream deferred” (Langston Hughes).

Valorization of the Individual Characters are heroic in the face of a future they can’t control. Demonstrates the uncertainty felt by individuals living in this era. Examples include Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, Lt. Henry in A Farewell to Arms, or George in Of Mice and Men.

Literary Styles of Modernism Stream of consciousness narration: a narrative mode which seeks to portray an individual’s point of view by giving the written equivalent of the character’s thought processes, either through loose interior monologue or in connection to action. 9

Juxtaposition Two images that are otherwise not commonly brought together appear side by side or structurally close together, thereby forcing the reader to stop and reconsider the meaning of the text through the contrasting images, ideas, motifs, etc. For example, “He was slouched alertly” is a juxtaposition.

American Literary Modernism: MAJOR AUTHORS 11

Ernest Hemingway Iceberg Theory ofliterature (one- eighth Nobel Prize winner Ernest Hemingway is seen as one of the great American 20th century novelists, and is known for works like A Farewell to Arms and The Old Man and the Sea.above water) Spare, tight journalistic prose style Objective, detached point of view Examination of masculinity, gender Major works: The Sun Also Rises (1926), A Farewell to Arms (1929), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940) Ernest Hemingway 12

Gertrude Stein Expatriate Author Coined the term “Lost Gertrude Stein (1874–1946) was an American author and poet best known for her modernist writings, extensive art collecting and literary salon in 1920s Paris.eneration” Patron of authors and artists as well as artistic innovator “Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose.” Major works: Three Lives (1909), The Making of Americans (1925) Gertrude Stein 13

F. Scott Fitzgerald Focus on Jazz Age and Great Depression F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940), American author wrote The Great Gatsby. Examination of American materialism Exploration of the American dream Major works: The Great Gatsby (1925), Tender is the Night (1934) F. Scott Fitzgerald 14

John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr. (1902-1968) was an American author of twenty-seven books, including sixteen novels, six non-fiction books, and five collections of short stories.

Ideal American Dream Endless Opportunities— “New Eden” Progress—Life should keep getting better and better The independent, self-reliant individual will triumph MEANING…. The common American Dream is a college degree, a spouse who loves you, 2.5 kids, a comfortable home, a nice car, a job you enjoy that pays a living wage, and freedom.

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