Lost generation

Definition

The term 'lost generation' refers to a group of American writers who were disillusioned by the devastation of World War I and the societal changes that followed. This generation felt alienated from traditional values and norms, often expressing their discontent through literature that reflected themes of disillusionment, moral ambiguity, and existential angst. Their works are characterized by a sense of searching for meaning in a rapidly changing world, particularly during the interwar period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term was popularized by writer Gertrude Stein, who described her contemporaries as a 'lost generation' due to their feelings of aimlessness after World War I.
2. Many lost generation authors, such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, chose to live in Paris during the 1920s, forming a vibrant literary community.
3. Lost generation literature often critiques the values of American society, focusing on themes of materialism, emptiness, and the search for identity.
4. The impact of World War I on this generation led to an exploration of complex themes, such as existentialism and the human condition.
5. Works from this era are known for their innovative narrative techniques and stylistic experimentation, reflecting a break from traditional literary forms.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of World War I influence the themes present in lost generation literature?
  • World War I had a profound impact on lost generation writers, shaping their themes of disillusionment and existential angst. The devastation and trauma experienced during the war led many authors to question traditional values and societal norms. This resulted in literature that often depicted characters grappling with feelings of alienation and searching for meaning in a chaotic world.
• In what ways did the expatriate lifestyle of lost generation authors contribute to their literary output?
  • The expatriate lifestyle allowed lost generation authors to distance themselves from American societal norms that they found stifling or hypocritical. Living in cities like Paris fostered a sense of community among writers, where they could exchange ideas and challenge conventional literary forms. This environment inspired them to create works that reflected their discontent with materialism and offered new perspectives on identity and existence.
• Evaluate how lost generation literature reflects broader cultural shifts during the interwar period.
  • Lost generation literature serves as a lens through which to understand broader cultural shifts occurring during the interwar period, such as changing attitudes toward authority, gender roles, and modernity. The disillusionment experienced by these writers mirrored societal upheavals following the war, leading to an exploration of new identities and existential questions. Their innovative narratives not only captured personal struggles but also provided commentary on the collective search for meaning amid rapid societal changes.

Related terms

Expatriate: A person who lives outside their native country, often associated with lost generation writers who settled in Europe.

Modernism: A literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing new forms and styles to reflect modern life.

Disillusionment: A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be, which heavily influenced lost generation literature.