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

2. MODERNISM (1914 – 1940)

3. What is Modernism?
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 19th century prettiness & sentimentality
Rejected 19th century optimism
“Stormtroops Advancing Under Gas”
Otto Dix

4. WORLD AS A WASTELAND
WWI precipitated “modern thought”

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

10. Characteristics of Modernism
1. Instability
2. Futility

11. 3. Pessimism

12. 4. Chaos
5. Loss of faith

13. 6. Collapse of “Morality”
1920:
1910:
Vs.
Prohibition
“flappers”
More open a/t sexuality & drug use
Prohibition, “flappers,” more open about sexuality, drug-use

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

15. Characteristics of Modern Literature
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

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

17. DIRECTIONS: In the box to the right of the picture, write down five details that you notice about the picture below (what does image include in the foreground, background? What colors are used? Is it inviting or uninviting? etc).

18. What aspects of this picture connect to the modernist characteristics
What aspects of this picture connect to the modernist characteristics? How does this picture reflect the ideals of this era?