1. Modern Literature 1900-1950

2. Historical Context 1900-1950 World War I (1914-1918) Great Depression (1929-1930s) World War II (1939-1945) Advances in technology Industrialization (factories) Urbanization (cities)

3. The New American Hero Introduced by Hemingway. A man of action, a warrior, and a tough competitor He has a code of honor, courage, and endurance He shows “grace under pressure” He is disillusioned – a major theme in literature - the belief that nothing lay at the center of creation.

4. Modern American Poetry – Spoke in plain American speech. – Voices reflected the regional diversity of U.S. Robert Frost: ordinary New England speech and old traditions of poetry. Symbolism was central in modern poetry

5. The Harlem Renaissance An explosion of African-American culture. Harlem, New York City. Addressed issues of race, class, religion, and gender. Black dialect recognized as a legitimate way of speaking. – Langston Hughes – Zora Neale Hurston – Countee Cullen

6. Summary of Modern Literature Emphasis on bold experimentation in style and form, reflecting the fragmentation of society. Rejection of traditional themes and subjects. Sense of disillusionment and loss of faith in the American dream. Rejection of the ideal of a hero in favor of a flawed hero who shows “grace under pressure.” Interest in the inner workings of the human mind.

7. 1950-present Contemporary (post-modern) Literature

8. Historical context Vietnam War, Cold War, WWII Space Race JFK, MLK Jr. and Robert Kennedy assinated Watergate scandal Internet

9. Postmodern Literature Non-fiction seen as art Cultural diversity Allows for multiple meanings – Narrators/characters may tell different versions of a story