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Modernism in American Literature 1914 -1945

Modernism in American Literature 1914 -1945. Harlem Renaissance Post Modernism. MODERNISM . A literary movement that reflected disillusionment with the American Dream and characterized by its experimentation with style and form. MODERNISM THE AMERICAN DREAM.

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Modernism in American Literature 1914 -1945

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  1. Modernism in American Literature1914 -1945 • Harlem Renaissance • Post Modernism

  2. MODERNISM • A literary movement that reflected disillusionment with the American Dream and characterized by its experimentation with style and form

  3. MODERNISMTHE AMERICAN DREAM • America new Eden, “promised land” of unlimited resources. IDEALISM • Birthright to endless opportunities & expectation of things continually getting better. OPTIMISM • All things possible for independent, self reliant INDIVIDUALISM who trust in his own powers and potentials

  4. Traits of Modernism • Bold experimentation in style & form reflecting the fragmentation of society • Rejection of traditional themes & subjects • Sense of disillusionment & loss of faith in the American Dream • Rejection of ideal of a hero • Interest in the inner workings of the human mind, expressed through new writing techniques such as stream of consciousness

  5. Stream of Consciousness • Abandoned the usual format of writing following chronology, or time order. Instead it was meant to imitate moment-by-moment flow of a character’s perceptions or memories.

  6. The New Hero • A modern hero is a “man of action”, a warrior, and a tough competitor • He has a code of honor, courage, and endurance • Shows “grace under pressure” • Thoroughly disillusioned with life

  7. MODERNISM effects of WORLD WAR I • turning point in American life • Marked the loss of innocence • Created a strong disillusionment with tradition (especially authors) & the idea of the American Dream

  8. Rejection of Traditional Beliefs: • Prohibition, rather than foster traditional values, ushered in an age of bootleggers, speakeasies, cocktails, flappers, jazz music, and gangsters. • Women’s liberation was huge during this period, ushering in women’s right to vote.

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