1. How did the events of September 11 th change how Americans viewed their world? How has it changed our culture?

2. MODERNISM (1914 – 1940)

3. Modernism reflects a loss of faith in traditional values and beliefs, including the American Dream. –Artistic/literary movement –Post World-War One –Pessimistic picture of culture in disarray –Modern poets goal = rid poetry of 19 th century prettiness & sentimentality –Rejected 19 th century optimism What is Modernism?

4. The WORLD AS A WASTELAND

5. WORLD AS A WASTELAND Before WWI

6. WORLD AS A WASTELAND After WWI

7. WORLD AS A WASTELAND Before WWI

8. WORLD AS A WASTELAND After WWI

9. A: -World War I & disillusionment, -Increase in industrialization, -Unfair labor practices, -Excessive drinking Q: What are some factors that led people during this time period to lose faith in the American Dream?

10. 1. instability 2. futility Characteristics of Modernism

11. 3. pessimism

12. 5. Loss of faith 4. chaos

13. Prohibition, “flappers,” more open about sexuality, drug-use 6. Collapse of “Morality”

14. 7. Disillusionment: a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be

15. New experiments with form and technique in both poetry and prose A new kind of hero who is flawed and disillusioned yet honorable and courageous Questioning of traditional beliefs and social structures Characteristics of Modern Literature Characteristics of Modern Literature

16. What are the seven Characteristics of Modernism? 1. instability 2. futility 3. pessimism 4. chaos 5. Loss of faith 6. Collapse of “Morality” 6. Collapse of “Morality” 7. Disillusionment

19. Not all have same opportunity Hard work may not be as important as heredity Do money & possessions equal happiness? Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda, would only marry him after he sold his first book, This Side of Paradise. Does America have a ruling class? Can just anyone grow up to be president?

20. Is there a dark side to the American Dream? Is it attainable for everyone? What are the dangers of ambitiously following one’s dream? Is there a dark side to the American Dream? Is it attainable for everyone? What are the dangers of ambitiously following one’s dream?

21. What does it mean to live in the past? Is constantly searching for the happiness of your past healthy? Repeating the Past Essential Question #2:

22. Post-WWI: chaos & destruction Excess of violence Modernism: result of disillusionment w/ the world after WWI and a feeling that traditional customs and beliefs were outdated

23. Widespread “immorality” –Excess of sex –Excess of drugs/alcohol abuse –Flappers/Parties –Fitzgeralds were the “it” couple of Roaring 20s –Money & Prestige = goal of the individual

24. Given the immorality and decadence of the 1920s and today’s society, is the world spiritually and morally broken?

25. Is money necessary in order to achieve happiness? Can money buy happiness?