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 of the 1920s. This term encapsulates their feelings of aimlessness, alienation, and a search for meaning in a world that seemed to have lost its values, as they reacted against the materialism and conformity prevalent in post-war America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Lost Generation' was popularized by writer Gertrude Stein and is often associated with authors such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Eliot.
2. Many members of the Lost Generation became expatriates, living in cities like Paris, where they found a vibrant artistic community that fostered their work.
3. The Lost Generation writers often explored themes of disillusionment, identity, and the impact of war on society in their literature.
4. Their works frequently criticized the moral decay and materialism of American society during the 1920s, reflecting their sense of loss and confusion.
5. The legacy of the Lost Generation continues to influence contemporary literature and art, with their exploration of existential themes resonating with future generations.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of World War I shape the worldview and writings of the Lost Generation?
  • The experiences of World War I profoundly impacted the Lost Generation, leading to a sense of disillusionment with traditional values and societal norms. Many writers were left grappling with the horrors of war, which instilled a deep skepticism about civilization's progress. This experience fueled their exploration of themes like alienation, identity, and moral decay in their works, reflecting their struggles to find meaning in a post-war world.
• Discuss how the expatriate lifestyle contributed to the artistic output of the Lost Generation and their critique of American society.
  • The expatriate lifestyle allowed members of the Lost Generation to escape the constraints of American society, which they found stifling and materialistic. Living in cities like Paris provided them with an environment that encouraged artistic experimentation and freedom. This distance from America helped them critique its values more sharply, leading to works that challenged conformity and celebrated individualism, thus reshaping modern literature.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the Lost Generation on American literature and culture in subsequent decades.
  • The Lost Generation left an indelible mark on American literature and culture, influencing future generations of writers and artists. Their focus on existential themes, individualism, and a critique of societal norms paved the way for later movements such as postmodernism. Additionally, their exploration of disillusionment resonated during times of social upheaval, making their work relevant as society continues to grapple with questions about identity, purpose, and cultural values.

Related terms

Expatriates: Individuals who choose to live outside their native country, often seeking artistic freedom and new perspectives, as many Lost Generation writers did in Europe.

Modernism: A cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and a focus on new techniques in literature and art.

Disillusionment: A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be, which profoundly impacted the attitudes of Lost Generation artists.