The lost generation

Definition

The lost generation refers to a group of American writers and intellectuals who came of age during World War I and felt disillusioned by the values and norms of society following the war. This term captures their sense of alienation, existential angst, and a questioning of traditional morality, which permeated their literary works and reflections on a world that seemed chaotic and meaningless after the war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'lost generation' was popularized by writer Gertrude Stein and later adopted by Ernest Hemingway, who used it to describe a generation that felt disenchanted after the war.
2. Key figures of the lost generation include Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Eliot, who expressed their feelings of disillusionment through their literature.
3. Many members of the lost generation became expatriates, leaving America for Europe, where they sought artistic freedom and a break from mainstream American culture.
4. The lost generation's literature often features themes of existentialism, disillusionment with societal norms, and critiques of materialism prevalent in the post-war United States.
5. The influence of World War I on this generation led to a shift in literature, focusing more on individual experiences and inner conflicts rather than traditional narrative structures.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of World War I shape the attitudes and writing styles of the lost generation authors?
  • The experiences of World War I deeply influenced lost generation authors, leading them to adopt a sense of disillusionment towards societal values. They often employed modernist techniques in their writing, using fragmented narratives and stream-of-consciousness styles to reflect the chaos and fragmentation they perceived in post-war society. This shift allowed them to express their inner turmoil and challenge traditional forms of storytelling, making their work resonate with readers who shared similar feelings of alienation.
• Analyze the common themes found in the works of lost generation writers and how these themes reflect their historical context.
  • Common themes in the works of lost generation writers include disillusionment, existential despair, and a critique of materialism. These themes reflect the historical context following World War I, as many individuals grappled with the aftermath of unprecedented violence and trauma. The lost generation's literature often portrayed characters searching for meaning in a world that seemed devoid of purpose, highlighting their struggle against societal expectations and their quest for authenticity in an increasingly mechanized society.
• Evaluate how the identity of the lost generation has influenced contemporary literature and cultural movements.
  • The identity of the lost generation has significantly influenced contemporary literature and cultural movements by paving the way for modernist experimentation and a focus on individual psychological depth. Their themes of disillusionment continue to resonate today, particularly in post-modern literature that often questions reality and challenges established narratives. Additionally, the idea of expatriatism has led to a global literary culture where writers explore diverse identities and experiences, reflecting a broader human experience shaped by conflict, uncertainty, and a quest for meaning.

Related terms

Disillusionment: A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be, prevalent among the lost generation writers.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and an exploration of new ideas, often reflecting the uncertainty of the post-war era.

Expatriates: Individuals who live outside their native country; many lost generation writers chose to settle in Europe, particularly Paris, seeking a more vibrant artistic community.