American Poetry and Fiction Overview

A literary and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, marked by a break from traditional forms, experimentation with new styles, and a reflection of modern life.

A group of American writers disillusioned by the aftermath of World War I and the societal changes that followed.

A narrative technique that aims to capture the flow of a person's thoughts, often fragmented and non-linear.

A technique used by writers to depict the chaotic and fragmented nature of modern society.

A key theme in Modernist literature, reflecting the disillusionment and sense of isolation felt by individuals in the aftermath of World War I.

A movement away from detailed and realistic depictions of everyday life, embracing abstraction, experimentation, and new forms of expression.

A literary movement that emphasizes the use of everyday language and imagery, rejecting overly formal or flowery language.

A principle of liberty that allows poets to break from traditional poetic constraints and experiment with new forms and rhythms.

A literary movement that challenged societal norms, critiqued materialism and capitalism, and explored spirituality and sexuality. Notable figures include Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

A defining work of the Beat movement known for its raw and unflinching critique of American society, exploring themes of alienation, sexuality, and the pursuit of freedom.

A literary movement that emerged in San Francisco, overlapping with the Beat movement, and encompassed a wide range of experimental poetry and art. Key figures include Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Kenneth Rexroth.

A school of poets known for their focus on urban life, irony, and spontaneity in their work. Its most prominent figures include Frank O'Hara and John Ashbery.

A key concept in the poetry of Frank O'Hara, emphasizing a direct and personal connection to the reader. "Personism" focuses on subjective experience and the relationship between the poet and the individual they address.

A style of poetry that delves deeply into the poet's personal experiences, including mental health struggles, relationships, and trauma. Notable confessional poets include Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, and Robert Lowell.

A group of poets associated with Black Mountain College, who championed an open, improvisational style of poetry. They emphasize the relationship between the poet's breath and the poem's structure.

A technique of poetry where the line breaks and form are determined by the poet's breath and the flow of thought. It emphasizes the physicality of writing and the act of creation.

Emerson, a transcendentalist writer, deeply admired Whitman's Leaves of Grass, believing it captured a uniquely American voice and embodied the ideals of transcendentalism.

Emerson acknowledged both the brilliance and the flaws in Whitman's work, specifically mentioning the free verse form as a notable characteristic, albeit one he saw as a potential flaw.

Thoreau, also a transcendentalist, recognized the transformative potential of Whitman's work and saw it as the beginning of something significant for American literature.

Whitman's Democratic Vistas emphasizes the danger of societal division, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equality for a nation's progress.

Imagism represents a departure from traditional abstract poetry, focusing on clarity, precision, and minimal ornamentation.

Imagist poets, including Ezra Pound, Amy Lowell, and W.C. Williams, aimed to express ideas using precise visual images, rejecting abstract concepts and clichés.

Imagism, as a modernist movement, was influenced by other avant-garde movements and employed various techniques to achieve clarity and precision in language.