1. Poets of the 20s,30s, and 40s

2. 20s Reactions to WW1 –Trying to fit back into a world that had fallen apart –“make it new” – reject old forms of writing Roaring 20s –Greater materialism –More “permissive” society—sexuality, drinking, etc. more open

3. Common themes and styles Disillusionment, loss, searching for meaning Emphasis on coming-of-age Influenced by jazz and cubist art Non-linear, fragmented, experimental Individuality—writing is about poet’s OWN perceptions

4. 30s Great Depression  writers respond to social problems of Great Depression Writers work as news reporters, for WPA programs, etc.

5. Common themes and techniques Depict the problems that average Americans were having- Documentary/news style Realism in dialogue, vernacular language Working psychologically complex and flawed characters Trying to capture and define the moment

6. End of 30s  40s WW2  Surge in patriotism makes social criticism less acceptable War reporting and war narratives

7. Overall common themes and techniques in poetry in 20s-40s Moving away from “poetic” subjects and abstraction More socially aware Focus on concrete imagery, mood, capturing a moment Mixing traditional techniques with social issues OR Experimenting with form and sound

8. Literary Movements Most writers will fit in more than one category—many of these overlap

9. Harlem Renaissance Started in 1920s—Jazz Age and Prohibition Flowering of African-American arts in New York Depicted lives and problems of African Americans Poetry influenced by jazz and blues rhythms

10. Social Critics Often worked as reporters or part of WPA Depicted social problems— poverty, slum or rural conditions, etc. Wrote in realistic, journalistic style

11. Lost Generation Often veterans of WW1 Had trouble returning to pre-war lives Rejected excesses of 1920s Expatriates—left US for Europe Challenged “small town” and middle class values

12. Algonquin Round Table/New Yorker Humor and satire—known for biting wit Mostly short stories and essays Poetry plays on traditional rhyming forms with modern subjects Strong connection to theater and then Hollywood screenwriters

13. Modernist Poets Mixed traditional elements with new ones For example— –Elevated language mixed with informal –Classical allusions mixed with modern events –Rhyme and meter used for non-poetic topics –The “objective correlative”—using a concrete image to create a mood

14. Imagists Poets Concrete images—very visual Captures “snapshots” of moments Rejected abstract ideas and “artistic” topics Free verse and experimentation with form and appearance