The Modern Movement occurred between 1915-1950, during the post-WWI and WWII eras. Modernism rejected 19th century optimism and presented a pessimistic view of culture in disarray. World War I influenced Modernism by changing views of heroism and ideals. The Industrial Revolution brought new concepts like pollution. Modern literature used techniques like stream of consciousness and symbolism to capture fragmented society and inner thoughts. Modern art became more conceptual than realistic.
2. Modern Era Modernism—refers to the radical shift in aesthetic (appreciation of art and beauty) and cultural sensibilities evident in the art and literature of the post WWI period. This period marks a distinctive break with Victorian bourgeois morality; rejecting nineteenth century optimism, they presented a profoundly pessimistic picture of a culture in disarray. This despair often results in an apparent apathy and moral relativism--the view that truth is relative and not absolute. It varies from people to people, time to time .
3. World War I Modernism was influenced by the aftermath of the Great War—World War I. Sixty-five million military people were mobilized during this war. The estimated number of deaths is eight million soldiers, six million civilians, and roughly twenty-one million people wounded. The optimistic nature of fiction was forever changed.
4. The Industrial Revolution forever changed the world. Industrial Pollution and waste was a new concept for the modern generation. Authors, artists, and musicians began to define this disillusionment with the emerging Modernism movement.
5. There was a shift in American culture from idealism to cynicism. Americans’ sense of connection to their past was deteriorating. Bobbed hair, short skirts, and new slang expressions were introduced. This was in sharp contrast with the Victorian Era’s fashions.
7. Modern Literature Modern writers recognized the failure of language to ever fully communicate meaning “That’s not it at all, that’s not what I meant at all” --Eliot’s “J. Alfred Prufrock”
8. Characteristics of Modern Literature Radical disruption of linear flow of narrative Break from conventional expectations of plot, setting, character, and organization. Characters reflect a growing social isolation caused by mass industrialism.
9. Characteristics of Modern Lit… Emphasis on bold experiementation in style and form, reflecting the fragmentation of society. Rejection of traditional themes and values. Sense of disillusionment and loss of faith in the American Dream. Rejection of the ideal of a hero as infallible in favor of a hero who is flawed and disillusioned but shows “grace under pressure”.
10. Contd… Interest in the inner workings of the human mind, sometimes expressed through new narrative techniques such as stream of consciousness (break in linear flow). Modernists tried to capture what psychologists called the “stream of consciousness”—the flow of ideas, memories, and associations running through the human mind.
11. Characteristics of Modern Literature The iceberg principle: Only 1/8 is above the surface, 7/8ths of the iceberg are below. In literature this is exemplified by Ernest Hemmingway, who wanted to cut out all unnecessary description and dialogue: bare bones. This manifests itself in Modernist Literature’s use of symbolism and metaphor.
14. “Generally speaking, progressive modernism tended to concern itself with political and social issues, addressing aspects of contemporary society, especially in its poorer ranks, that an increasingly complacent middle class, once they had achieved a satisfactory level of comfort for themselves, preferred to ignore.”
18. In your journals… What makes for a full life? Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness comes more easily to some people than others. What is the secret? Some seek happiness in close, loving relationships. Others pursue their dreams and try to remain true to their inner voice. Still others strive for comforts of material success and prosperity. Ten minutes; 100 words.
19. F. Scott Fitzgerald Born in St. Paul, Minnesota Mid-west family values and traditions Raised in a traditional upper class family However, little money to support the tradition. Entered Princeton in 1913
20. Extracurricular activities ruined his grades Ginreva King Established rich class of Chicago Entered WWI in 1917 as a lieutenant Romantic visions of war Met Zelda Sayre Wealthy, daring, undisciplined Wanted a rich husband, would not marry Fitzgerald Moved to NYC in 1919 to earn his bride as a writer. Immediate success Zelda accepted his proposal in 1921 Inconsistent sales of his work led to alcoholism and infidelity which littered the marriage. Zelda became obsessed with becoming a ballerina. This eventually led to schizophrenia, and she was permanently institutionalized.
21. The Great Gatsby Praised by other writers, but did bring the profit Fitzgerald desired. Today, it is thought by some to be the closest work to the “Great American Novel.”
