The lost generation

Definition

The lost generation refers to a group of American writers and artists who were disillusioned by the aftermath of World War I and the societal changes in the 1920s. This term captures their sense of alienation and aimlessness as they grappled with the destruction of traditional values and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world, often seeking refuge in Europe, particularly Paris, where they created influential works that reflected their experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The lost generation is famously associated with authors like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, who expressed their disillusionment through their literary works.
2. Many members of the lost generation moved to Paris, where they found a vibrant expatriate community that embraced modernist ideals.
3. The term 'lost generation' was popularized by Gertrude Stein, who used it to describe her contemporaries disillusioned by the war.
4. This generation's literature often explores themes of disillusionment, existentialism, and a critique of American society post-war.
5. The works produced during this time had a lasting impact on American literature and helped pave the way for future literary movements.

Review Questions

• What characteristics define the lost generation and how did these traits influence their literary output?
  • The lost generation is characterized by feelings of disillusionment, alienation, and a quest for meaning after World War I. These traits influenced their literary output by leading them to explore themes such as existential despair, societal critique, and a rejection of traditional values. Their experiences shaped narratives that often depicted characters grappling with identity and purpose in a changing world, making their works resonate with readers facing similar feelings of uncertainty.
• Discuss the role of expatriate communities in shaping the lost generation's experiences and literary contributions.
  • Expatriate communities played a crucial role in shaping the lost generation's experiences by providing a supportive environment where writers could express their disillusionment with American society. In cities like Paris, these communities fostered collaboration and innovation, allowing authors to experiment with new forms of writing and engage with modernist ideas. The social dynamics within these expatriate groups often influenced their works, as they grappled with issues of identity, belonging, and artistic expression in response to their shared experiences as outsiders.
• Evaluate the significance of the lost generation within the broader context of 20th-century literature and its influence on subsequent literary movements.
  • The significance of the lost generation within 20th-century literature lies in its challenge to traditional narratives and its exploration of complex themes related to disillusionment and modernity. Their innovative approaches to storytelling and character development influenced later literary movements such as postmodernism and existentialism. The legacy of writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald not only shaped American literature but also impacted global literary trends by inspiring future generations to question societal norms and explore personal identity in an increasingly fragmented world.

Related terms

Expatriates: Individuals who live outside their native country, often seeking new opportunities or escaping societal constraints, commonly associated with the lost generation's move to Europe.

Modernism: A cultural movement embracing new ideas and forms of expression in literature, art, and music, reflecting the disorientation and break from tradition felt by the lost generation.

Gertrude Stein:

An American avant-garde writer and art collector who played a significant role in the lost generation community in Paris, mentoring many writers and artists of the era.