The Moderns 1900-1950

The American Dream Literature to this point had been dominated by a set of beliefs known as the American dream. The American dream grew out of the frontier experience, as well as important American ideals like optimism and self-reliance. The three underpinnings of the American dream are a belief in the land as a bountiful new Eden, an unwavering faith in progress, and a confidence in the ultimate triumph of the individual.

The Tenets of the American Dream America is a new Eden, a “promised land” of beauty, unlimited resources and endless opportunity.

The Tenets of the American Dream The American birthright is one of ever- expanding opportunity. Progress is a good thing, and we can optimistically expect life to keep getting better and better.

The Tenets of the American Dream The independent, self-reliant individual will triumph. Everything is possible for the person who places trust in his or her own powers and potential.

Breakdown of beliefs and traditions World War I and the Great Depression were turning points in American life. These events led to a loss of innocence and a strong disillusionment with tradition. Marxism and psychoanalysis were two emerging trends at the time which also contributed to the breakdown of traditional beliefs and values. The study of psychoanalysis led to the literary technique known as stream-of-consciousness narration.

The Jazz Age In 1919, the Constitution was amended to prohibit the manufacture, transport and sale of alcohol, which was singled out as a central social evil. Ironically, Prohibition actually ushered in an age characterized by the bootlegger, the speakeasy, the cocktail, the short-skirted flapper, the new rhythms of jazz, and the dangerous but lucrative profession of the gangster. Many American authors at this time left America to live and write as expatriates in Europe, especially France.

The Jazz Age

The New American Hero A major theme from the writing of the Modern Era was disillusionment. Disillusionment is the loss of belief in the American dream. The disillusionment of the writers came through in their characters. Though disillusioned, the new American heroes were still admirable – they were men of action, warriors, and tough competitors. The new American hero had a code of honor, courage and endurance, and exhibited “grace under pressure.”

Modern poetry After a brief lull in American poetry after the deaths of Whitman and Dickinson, American poetry flourished in the Modern Era. Some poets, like Ezra Pound and T.S. Elliot, explored new movements such as symbolism and imagism to create a new style of modern poetry. Other poets, like Robert Frost, continued to use traditional verse forms to produce a uniquely American voice.

The Elements of Modernism in American Literature Emphasis on bold experimentation in style and form, reflecting the fragmentation of society. Rejection of traditional themes and subjects Sense of disillusionment and loss of faith in the American dream Development of a new kind of hero who is flawed and disillusioned but shows grace under pressure Interest in the inner workings of the human mind – expressed through new techniques such as stream- of-consciousness