Modernism in American Literature

MODERNISM: historical background

American Modernism is dated between 1914-1945, between the first and second World Wars.

US joined the war in 1917.

John Dos Passos, Three Soldiers

civilization was a vast edifice of sham, and the war, instead of its crumbling, was its fullest and most ultimate expression."

The post-war economic policies ushered in an era of progress. Urbanization reached a pinnacle.

Other Historical events

- 18th and 19th Amendment, 1920 - Harlem Renaissance, 1920s-1930s - The Great Depression of the 1930s

Influence of Historical Events to American Literature

The rise of the lost generation. World War I and its aftermath undermined the following: the secure, supportive family life the familiar, settled community the natural and eternal rhythms of nature that guide the planting and harvesting on a farm the sustaining sense of patriotism moral values inculcated by religious beliefs and observations

The Lost Generation

Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises

F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Their works evoke the extravagance and disillusionment of their generation. Other writers include T.S. Elliot and Ezra Pound.

Characteristics of Modernist Literature

Modernism is marked by a strong and intentional break with tradition. This break includes a strong reaction against established religious, political, and social views. Does not subscribe to absolute truth. All things are relative. Feels no connection with history or institutions. Their experience is that of alienation, loss, and despair. Champions the individual and celebrates inner strength. Believes that life is unordered. Believes that the world is created in the act of perceiving it; that is, the world is what we say it is.

Robert Frost

Robert Frost
March 26, 1874 January 29, 1963 Born in San Francisco, California Went to Dartmouth College for two months and Harvard University for two years. He never finished school. Was an English teacher at Pinkerton Academy from 1905 to 1911. Sailed with his family to England in 1912. He made important acquaintances with literary figures there. Frost returned to America in WWI and settled in his farm in New Hampshire.

Robert Frost
For forty-two years, he taught at Bread Loaf School of English in Middlebury College. The Bread Loaf Writers Conference gained renown while Frost was there. He also taught at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Although he never graduated college, Frost received over 40 honorary degrees including Princeton, Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford and Dartmouth.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim Because it was grassy and wanted Wear, hough as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I marked the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

Acquainted with the Night

I have been one acquainted with the night. I have walked out in rain -- and back in rain. I have outwalked the furthest city light. I have looked down the saddest city lane. I have passed by the watchman on his beat And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain. I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet When far away an interrupted cry Came over houses from another street, But not to call me back or say goodbye; And further still at an unearthly height, A luminary clock against the sky Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right. I have been one acquainted with the night.

Fire and Ice

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.