Modern American Literary Contexts (Module 5)

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary distinction between modernisation and modernism?

Modernisation is the adaptation to modern needs, while modernism is a literary response. (correct)

Modernisation includes feelings of alienation.

Modernisation is characterized by emotional detachment.

Modernisation refers to a literary movement.

Which of the following is a characteristic of American modernism?

Strict adherence to traditional narrative forms.

Emphasis on clarity and straightforward language.

Focus on collective experiences rather than individual subjectivity.

Themes of disillusion and alienation from modern life. (correct)

Which choice best represents the overarching theme of modernity?

A complete rejection of any form of change.

Emphasis on the reliability of established norms.

A return to traditional values and customs.

An acknowledgment of change and feelings of alienation. (correct)

What significant role did Gertrude Stein play in American modernism?

She advocated for a radical break with tradition and emphasized innovation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the language used in modernist literature?

Everyday and experimental, with a focus on making it new. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the technique Eliot uses to convey emotions indirectly through imagery?

Objective correlative (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with Ezra Pound's poetic philosophy?

Emotional expression (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Imagism, what is meant by 'epiphany'?

A moment of profound clarity (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which poet is associated with a neo-romantic style and affirmative realism?

Robert Frost (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'make it new' suggest in Pound's context?

Reinventing traditional forms (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following poets reacted positively to modernization while maintaining conventional forms?

William Carlos Williams (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key trait of Imagism that involves linking concepts or images?

Associative process (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Ezra Pound is false?

He focused solely on American themes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic that the Provincetown Players opposed in American theatre?

Commercialised Broadway theatre (B) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of theatre did the Provincetown Players aim to create?

A new kind of theatre focused on the playwright's role (A) Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Randolph S. Bourne challenge regarding American identity?

The melting pot theory's effectiveness (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of theatre was emphasized in one-act plays according to Edward Bierstadt?

Complete unity of thought (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary goal of the Provincetown Players regarding stage settings?

Simple but symbolic and suggestive settings (D) Signup and view all the answers

What historical context contributed to the idea of cultural pluralism in America?

An increase in nationalist sentiments after WWI (D) Signup and view all the answers

What concept rejects the idea of the melting pot in favor of cultural pluralism?

Mosaic of Cultures (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which literature movement is defined as African American literature between WWI and WWII?

Harlem Renaissance (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Provincial Players view the role of the playwright?

As crucial to the artistic vision of the play (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable trend in American theatre during the 1910s?

A shift towards melodrama (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did Mary Antin's work primarily express about her identity?

Celebration of diversity within America (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did Booker T. Washington believe would lead to equality for African Americans?

Industrial and agricultural training (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did the Harlem Renaissance aim to counter regarding perceptions of black culture?

The belief that black culture is not part of American literature (D) Signup and view all the answers

Gertrude Simmons Bonnin's work highlighted which of the following themes?

Traumatic experiences raised from violent confrontations (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of American democracy does Horace Kallen argue requires the perfection and conservation of diversity?

Unique national identity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major social condition experienced by African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance?

Overcrowding and segregation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did Du Bois demand for African Americans?

Right to vote, equality, and education (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a central theme of Alain Locke's 'The New Negro'?

Active participation in social life and democracy (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following themes is emphasized in Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'?

Anthropological fiction concentrating on black culture (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant social issue does melodrama in political plays address?

Exposes lynching and its consequences (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does passing in Nella Larsen's novels illuminate societal issues?

It emphasizes the privileges associated with light skin within a racially divided society. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Harlem Renaissance, how is poetry characterized?

It often addressed social justice and racial identity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which work is considered a climax of the Harlem Renaissance?

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about human experiences in Alain Locke's ideas?

They are universal and shared across cultures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the 'code hero' in Hemingway's work?

He is defined by stoicism and faces life's hardships with bravery. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Hemingway's iceberg theory suggest about his writing?

Readers should infer deeper meanings that lie beneath the surface. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'The Great Gatsby' best described?

An exploration of the American Dream through a critique of the wealthy class. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What narrative style is often associated with Hemingway’s writing?

A hard-boiled style marked by simple language and minimal decoration. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of life does Fitzgerald's representation of the Jazz Age focus on?

The leisure class and their extravagant lifestyles. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of decontextualization in modernist fiction imply?

There is no context or background information provided, focusing on feelings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT typical of Hemingway's characters?

Deep emotional expressiveness. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'novel of manners' refer to in the context of 'The Great Gatsby'?

A depiction of social behaviors and customs of the time. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 4: The Many American Modernisms and Beyond

World War I Context and Impacts: The US entered another war, moving away from isolationism and becoming more international. Domestically, conservatism and American nationalism rose. Collective mentality emphasized American ideals and a sense of mission. Significant societal and cultural shifts followed, impacting landscapes and literature.
1920s: A Time of Paradox: The era was characterized by glamorous imagery ("Golden Twenties," "Roaring Twenties," "Jazz Age"). Economic prosperity fueled consumerism and technological advancements, impacting rural and urban areas alike. Technological innovations, like electricity, symbolized status. Celebrity culture, including sports, magazines, movies, and Hollywood thrived. A rise of the "new woman" witnessed increased independence, confidence, and sexual liberation. Urban areas grew dramatically, outpacing rural areas in size. However, there were also negative reactions to these changes – conservative backlash, xenophobia, racial tensions, immigration restrictions, religious fundamentalism, and a rising rise of crime. This period culminated in an economic crisis.
Great Depression and New Deal (1930s): The 1929 stock market crash triggered a severe economic crisis that led to massive unemployment (25% in 1932). This drastic economic downturn impacted social and demographic perceptions. The New Deal, a series of government programs and policies led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, created significant government involvement in the economy and American society.

American Modernism(s)

Modernization vs. Modernity vs. Modernism: Modernization is the process of adapting to present needs. Modernity involves recognizing significant departure from past traditions and the ambiguity of the future. Modernism appears as a literary response to these changes – often both positive and negative.
International Movement: Modernism was an international phenomenon, not just an American development.
Urban/Metropolitan Focus: Modernist literature often centered on urban experiences, reflecting disillusionment and discontent prevalent in urban areas.
Individuality, Subjectivity, and Multiperspectivism: Modernism emphasized individual perspectives, complex personal experiences, and multiple viewpoints.
Subconscious Exploration: Writers explored the subconscious, reflecting complex psychological states.

American Modernist Poetry

Gertrude Stein: A significant figure in postmodernism; advocated for a radical break from traditional poetic forms and sought new poetic expressions; her work reflected modern life.
T.S. Eliot: Developed "impersonal poetry" and used the concept of "objective correlative" in his poetry.
Ezra Pound: Represented international modernism; known for creating cosmopolitan poetry and advocacy of radical approaches, even with some controversial beliefs.

American Modernist Fiction

Ernest Hemingway: Known for his "code hero" characters, his portrayal of hardship and the emotional and personal crisis caused by World War I, emphasizing stoicism.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: Captured the "Roaring Twenties" era through characters struggling with a desire for prosperity and a disillusioning realization that their materialistic pursuit lacked meaning.

American Modernist Theatre

Commercialized Theatre and Entertainment: Theatrical trends moved from melodrama to more experimental forms.
Star Actors and Plays: The 1910s and 1920s witnessed prominent actors and performances.
Broadway Theatre and Playwright Groups: Broadway became a major centre; theatrical groups and playwrights emerged who rejected commercialization.

Pluralisation

Immigration and Cultural Diversity: The rise of mass immigration at the beginning of the 20th century triggered cultural diversity.
Melting Pot versus Cultural Pluralism: The debate ensued between the melting pot ideology, where cultures blended into one American identity, and cultural pluralism that stressed the value of maintaining cultural differences while remaining part of American society.
Randolph Bourne: Advocated for a transnational American identity and the importance of diversity.
Horace M. Kallen: A prominent proponent of cultural pluralism.

The Harlem Renaissance

Black Culture as American Culture: Harlem Renaissance countered claims that black culture was unimportant in American literature.
Major Flourishing in the 1920s: This period in Harlem provided an important counter-narrative to traditional views of American culture.
Key Figures: Key figures such as Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Alain Locke represented this movement's efforts.
Political Activism: The fight for racial equality, and the exploration of common African American experiences in literary and artistic forms.
Poetry and Prose: Creative literary and artistic expression reflected and challenged the perceptions of Black American experiences.

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Description

Explore the many facets of American modernism and its developments post-World War I. This quiz delves into the cultural and societal shifts of the 1920s, examining the paradoxes of prosperity and the rise of consumerism alongside significant changes in literature and lifestyle. Test your understanding of this vibrant era in American history.