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Nihilism
The Nihilism movement heavily influenced many writers who became popular at the turn of the century. This movement is described as the rejection of all religious and moral principles as the only means of obtaining social progress. Theme of Breakdown of social norms and cultural sureties- Long standing traditions are being changed or disregarded as wealth floods society. -
Imagism
Imagism was a movement that consisted of mostly poetry that rebelled against Romantic and Victorian ideals. It greatly emphasized simplicity, clarity, and developing strong imagery. Theme of Transformation-People and society changing for better or worse. -
The Beginning of Modernism
Modernism began around the start of the 20th century. Most of the earlier works were rebellion against Victorian society and Ideals. It was a time of experimentation and trying to see the world from a more realistic point of view. -
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WW1
World War 1 was known as the “War to End All Wars”. The war greatly impacted the lives of people around the world. A lot of the literature produced at the time came from the soldiers who fought. They documented the cruel reality of war and the sorrow and pity that comes with it. Soon, the opinion on War changed as the true horrors were exposed. There was a great focus on the nature of civilization. Theme of a Strong America, a better world for Americans. -
Birches
“Birches”: The author is looking at the brighter side of things and not the negative side of everything.Written by Robert Frost (3/26/1874 - 1/29/1963)- American Poet Theme of Varying Perspective-Different views on different things. -
The Road Not Taken
“The Road Not Taken”: This poem is about choosing an easy road or choosing the harder one, it is all up to you. Written by Robert Frost (3/26/1874 - 1/29/1963)- American Poet Theme of Morality and choices being based on it or not. -
Ulysses
Ulysses: The legendary Greek hero, Odysseus was the king of Ithaca, a small island in the Ionian sea, where he lived with his wife Penelope. He was known to Romans as Ulysses. After fighting the war against the city of Troy with the Greeks, he started his journey home. His sailing journey was obstructed by the sea god Poseidon. Written by James Joyce (2/2/1982 - 1/13/1941)- Irish novelist, short story writer, and poet.
Theme of Valorization of the individual. -
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby shows the emptiness of the upper class and how money cannot buy happiness, as proved in the story. As it follows different characters throughout the story it shows that each of them are struggling in different areas, and just because they are rich does not mean they really have everything they want. Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald (9/24/1896 - 12/21/1940)- American Writer Theme of Disillusionment-People not recognizing reality as real. -
I, too, Sing America
“I, too, Sing America”: The speaker begins by declaring that he too can “sing America,” meaning that he is claiming his right to feel patriotic towards America, even though he is the “darker” brother who cannot sit at the table and must eat in the kitchen. Written by Langston Hughes (2/1/1902 - 5/22/1967)- American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist
Theme of Alienation-War veterans ignored and forgotten. People being labeled and sectionalized based on their social status. -
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The Great Depression
The hardships brought on by the Great Depression prompted an interest in social and economic issues. Most writers provided a realistic picture of the struggles endured during that dark time.There was also a new style called Documentary Journalism that was produced by journalists that were out of work. Some writers ignored the current situations and continued writing what they desired, providing an escape for many Americans. Self-help and history books were also popular at the time.TRANSFORMATION -
A Rose for Emily
“A Rose for Emily”: Emily is admired by the town, and everyone think she is the golden girl and can only date the best. One day a man named Homer comes to town and Emily takes a liking to him. He soon disappears and later Emily dies. As the people are cleaning up her house they find a skeleton of a man in her bed, and they think it is Homer. Written by William Faulkner (8/25/1897 - 7/6/1962)- American novelist, Nobel Prize winner
Theme of Disillusionment-People not recognizing reality as real. -
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WW2
During World War 2, there was not much emphasis on literature. Due to extreme rationing at the time, not many book or magazines were printed so they could save materials for more important things. Most of the content produced were short poems or stories published by authors that were already well established. Theme of a Strong America, a better world for Americans. -
The Unknown Citizen
“The Unknown Citizen”: The epigraph to "The Unknown Citizen" is a parody of the symbolic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier commemorating unidentified soldiers; tombs of unknown soldiers were first created following the first World War. Written By W.H Auden (2/21/1907 - 9/29/1973)- English- American Poet Theme of Valorization of the individual- Individual seek valor and fame; being recognized for deeds. -
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Works Cited
“World War I Literature.” Short Stories and Classic Literature, americanliterature.com/world-war-one-literature. Baker, Peter S., and John Bernard Beer. “English Literature.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 27 Dec. 2017, www.britannica.com/art/English-literature/The-literature-of-World-War-II-1939-45 “Exile on Main Street: The Poetics of Larry Levis.” Poets.org, Academy of American Poets, 8 Oct. 2015, www.poets.org/poetsorg/text/brief-guide-imagism. -
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Works Cited
Study.com, Study.com, study.com/academy/lesson/themes-in-modern-american-literature.htm. “A Rose for Emily Summary.” Enotes.com, Enotes.com, www.enotes.com/topics/rose-emily. Audrew, Jonathan D. “To Build a Fire Summary.” GradeSaver: Getting You the Grade, www.gradesaver.com/to-build-a-fire/study-guide/summary. “Frost's Early Poems.” SparkNotes, SparkNotes, www.sparknotes.com/poetry/frost/section8/. -
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Works Cited
“Langston Hughes: Poems ‘I, Too’ Summary and Analysis.” GradeSaver: Getting You the Grade, www.gradesaver.com/langston-hughes-poems/study-guide/summary-i-too. “The Unknown Citizen.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Apr. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unknown_Citizen. Kuiper, Kathleen. “Modernism.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2 Jan. 2018, www.britannica.com/art/Modernism-art. -
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Works Cited
“Modernism.” The Literature Network: Online Classic Literature, Poems, and Quotes. Essays & Summaries, www.online-literature.com/periods/modernism.php. “History of Modernism.” Miami Dade College, www.mdc.edu/wolfson/academic/artsletters/art_philosophy/humanities/history_of_modernism.htm. “Writing the War to End the War: Literary Modernism and WWI.” BYU Humanities, humanities.byu.edu/writing-the-war-to-end-the-war-literary-modernism-and-wwi/.
