Lost Generation

Definition

The Lost Generation refers to a group of American writers and intellectuals who were disillusioned by the horrors of World War I and felt alienated from the values and norms of mainstream American society in the 1920s. This term captures their sense of aimlessness and loss, as they grappled with the impact of the war on their lives and works, often expressing their feelings through literature that critiqued contemporary culture and examined themes of disillusionment and existential despair.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lost Generation included notable writers such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Eliot, who expressed their discontent with post-war American society through their literary works.
2. Many members of the Lost Generation became expatriates, moving to cities like Paris where they sought new artistic inspiration away from conservative American values.
3. The term 'Lost Generation' was popularized by Gertrude Stein, who described her peers' feelings of dislocation and confusion after experiencing the devastating effects of World War I.
4. Literary works from the Lost Generation often featured themes of disillusionment, the futility of war, and critiques of materialism and societal norms prevalent in 1920s America.
5. The Lost Generation's impact extended beyond literature, influencing art, music, and broader cultural movements during the Roaring Twenties, reflecting a significant shift in American attitudes.

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 had a profound impact on the Lost Generation, shaping their worldview and literary output. The brutality of the war led to feelings of disillusionment and despair among writers who questioned traditional values and societal norms. Their works often reflected a sense of aimlessness, exploring themes such as the futility of conflict and the emptiness of modern life, as seen in Hemingway's 'The Sun Also Rises' or Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.' These themes highlighted their struggle to find meaning in a rapidly changing world.
• Discuss how the concept of expatriation contributed to the identity of the Lost Generation in relation to 1920s American culture.
  • Expatriation was a significant aspect of the Lost Generation's identity, as many writers left America for Europe seeking artistic freedom and escape from the conformist values prevalent in 1920s America. Living in cities like Paris allowed them to interact with other avant-garde artists and thinkers, which fostered a sense of community among disillusioned individuals. This collective experience not only influenced their works but also solidified their identity as outsiders questioning American culture's materialism and superficiality.
• Evaluate how the literary contributions of the Lost Generation have influenced contemporary American literature and cultural discourse.
  • The literary contributions of the Lost Generation laid the groundwork for modern American literature by introducing innovative narrative styles and thematic concerns that continue to resonate today. Their focus on existential questions, disillusionment with societal norms, and exploration of identity paved the way for future generations of writers. Contemporary authors often draw inspiration from these themes, reflecting on issues like alienation and authenticity within society. The Lost Generation's legacy endures in how literature engages with cultural critique, illustrating ongoing struggles for meaning in an ever-evolving world.

Related terms

Expatriates: Writers and artists who chose to live outside their home country, particularly in Europe, seeking creative freedom and often feeling disconnected from their own culture.

Modernism: A cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms of art, literature, and social organization, reflecting a sense of disillusionment.

Gertrude Stein: An influential American expatriate writer and art collector who played a key role in the Parisian literary scene and famously coined the term 'Lost Generation' to describe her contemporaries.