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Exploring Modernism in American Literature: The Disillusionment with the American Dream

Modernism in American Literature (1914-1945) reflected disillusionment with the American Dream through bold experimentation in style and form. The movement rejected traditional themes, and embraced the inner workings of the human mind. Learn about the effects of World War I and the rejection of traditional beliefs.

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Exploring Modernism in American Literature: The Disillusionment with the American Dream

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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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