Lost generation

Definition

The lost generation refers to a group of American writers who came of age during World War I and felt disillusioned by the war's aftermath and the values of mainstream society. This term captures the sense of alienation and moral ambiguity experienced by many artists and intellectuals in the 1920s, influencing their works to reflect a deep skepticism towards traditional norms and an exploration of existential themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'lost generation' was popularized by Gertrude Stein, who used it to describe the disillusioned youth who were profoundly affected by World War I.
2. Writers like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Eliot are often associated with the lost generation, creating works that critique societal values and explore themes of alienation.
3. Many members of the lost generation became expatriates, moving to cities like Paris where they found a vibrant artistic community that resonated with their feelings of disconnection from American culture.
4. The literature produced by the lost generation often reflects a sense of moral ambiguity and a questioning of traditional values, encapsulating the struggle for meaning in a post-war world.
5. The impact of World War I on these writers fostered a cultural shift that led to new literary styles and themes, marking a significant evolution in modern literature.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of World War I influence the themes present in the literature produced by the lost generation?
  • World War I profoundly impacted the lost generation's literature, leading to themes of disillusionment, alienation, and moral ambiguity. Many writers grappled with the destruction and trauma caused by the war, prompting them to question traditional societal values. This resulted in works that portrayed characters struggling to find meaning in a world that seemed chaotic and devoid of purpose after the war.
• Discuss how the concept of expatriate culture among the lost generation shaped their writing style and subject matter.
  • The expatriate lifestyle adopted by many members of the lost generation significantly influenced their writing style and subject matter. Living in cities like Paris allowed them to interact with other artists and intellectuals, fostering an environment of experimentation and innovation. This exposure to diverse ideas and cultures encouraged writers to explore complex themes such as identity, existentialism, and societal critique, leading to a departure from traditional narrative structures.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the lost generation on American literature and how it set the stage for future literary movements.
  • The lost generation had a lasting impact on American literature, paving the way for modernism and shaping future literary movements. Their rejection of traditional forms and exploration of new narrative techniques influenced writers who followed. Additionally, their focus on existential themes set the groundwork for later works that addressed personal identity and social issues, contributing to a broader conversation about human experience that continues to resonate in contemporary literature.

Related terms

Modernism: A literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and a focus on new techniques, subjective experiences, and fragmented narratives.

Expatriate: A person who lives outside their native country; many members of the lost generation settled in Europe, particularly in Paris, where they sought artistic inspiration and community.

Disillusionment: A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be; a key theme in the lost generation's literature, reflecting their critical view of society post-war.