The Gilded Age

Definition

The Gilded Age refers to a period in American history from the 1870s to the early 1900s characterized by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and social upheaval, all masked by a thin layer of prosperity. During this time, the disparity between the wealthy elite and the working poor became starkly visible, influencing the cultural landscape and literature of the era, especially through the works of authors like Twain, James, and Wharton who captured the complexities of American society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gilded Age saw a massive influx of immigrants to the United States, which significantly shaped American culture and workforce.
2. This era was marked by political corruption and patronage, with figures like Boss Tweed becoming emblematic of the greed and graft prevalent during this time.
3. The term 'Gilded Age' was coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner in their novel 'The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today', highlighting both the wealth and social issues of the period.
4. Wealth concentration led to the rise of powerful industrialists known as 'captains of industry,' but also gave birth to labor movements advocating for workers' rights.
5. Literature from this period often addressed themes such as class struggle, moral dilemmas, and the harsh realities of life for ordinary people.

Review Questions

• How did the economic changes during the Gilded Age influence American literature?
  • The economic changes during the Gilded Age significantly influenced American literature by prompting authors to address social issues related to wealth disparity and moral questions. Writers like Twain critiqued societal norms through satire, while Wharton explored the lives of the upper class with a critical eye. The emerging realism in literature mirrored these economic realities, encouraging readers to reflect on both the prosperity enjoyed by some and the struggles faced by many.
• Analyze how Mark Twain's perspective during the Gilded Age reflects broader societal issues of his time.
  • Mark Twain's perspective during the Gilded Age reveals his critical stance on issues such as social inequality and corruption. Through works like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', he highlights not only the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in society but also critiques prevailing attitudes towards race and class. Twain’s humor and satire serve as tools for exposing the hypocrisy of a society that flaunts its wealth while ignoring the plight of its less fortunate members.
• Evaluate how Edith Wharton's writing exemplifies themes of class struggle and societal expectations during the Gilded Age.
  • Edith Wharton's writing exemplifies themes of class struggle and societal expectations by portraying the lives of wealthy New Yorkers grappling with societal norms. Her novels, such as 'The Age of Innocence', critique not only the rigid social structures but also reveal how these structures can stifle individual desires and authenticity. By focusing on characters caught between personal ambition and societal constraints, Wharton sheds light on the complexities faced by individuals during a time when wealth dictated social standing.

Related terms

Industrialization: The process by which economies transform from agrarian to industrial, leading to increased production and urbanization.

Social Darwinism: A belief that applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human society, often justifying economic inequalities during the Gilded Age.

Realism: A literary movement that emerged in response to Romanticism, emphasizing a focus on everyday life and social issues, particularly during times of great change like the Gilded Age.