Materialism

Definition

Materialism is the philosophical and cultural belief that physical matter is the only or primary reality, and that all phenomena, including consciousness, can be explained through material interactions. In a broader sense, it refers to a focus on material wealth and possessions over spiritual or intellectual values. This belief system profoundly influenced the attitudes and behaviors of the Lost Generation, who grappled with the disillusionment following World War I, often perceiving a society overly fixated on material success and consumerism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lost Generation writers often critiqued the materialism of American society in the 1920s, reflecting their discontent with post-war consumer culture.
2. Materialism during this period was associated with a loss of values and meaning, as characters in literature struggled to find purpose amid the pursuit of wealth.
3. F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' is a prime example, where material wealth becomes a symbol of moral decay and emptiness.
4. The rise of industrialization and mass production in America contributed to an environment where material possessions became highly coveted.
5. Materialism was often linked to the feelings of alienation experienced by many individuals in the aftermath of World War I, fostering a sense of existential crisis among the Lost Generation.

Review Questions

• How did materialism shape the perspectives of writers from the Lost Generation?
  • Materialism profoundly shaped Lost Generation writers by influencing their critiques of society and their characters' experiences. Many authors highlighted the emptiness behind the pursuit of wealth and status, depicting how this focus on material possessions led to disillusionment and moral decay. Their works often reflected a deep sense of alienation and a search for meaning in a world that seemed overly consumed by consumer culture.
• In what ways did the rise of consumerism impact societal values during the time of the Lost Generation?
  • The rise of consumerism during the era of the Lost Generation shifted societal values towards material wealth as indicators of success and happiness. This trend led to an increased emphasis on acquiring goods and social status, often overshadowing traditional values such as community, spirituality, and intellectual pursuits. The resulting landscape fostered discontent among individuals who found fulfillment in materialism to be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying.
• Evaluate how themes of materialism and disillusionment are reflected in key literary works of the Lost Generation, including their broader implications on American society.
  • Themes of materialism and disillusionment are central to key literary works of the Lost Generation, such as 'The Great Gatsby' and 'The Sun Also Rises.' These texts reveal a deep critique of post-war America’s obsession with wealth, illustrating how such values lead to existential crises among characters seeking meaning in their lives. The broader implications for American society were significant; as these works resonated with readers, they sparked conversations about authenticity, purpose, and the consequences of a materialistic culture that prioritized consumption over genuine human connection.

Related terms

Consumerism: The societal model that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, often leading to an emphasis on material possessions as a source of happiness.

Disillusionment:

The feeling of disappointment and loss of hope resulting from the realization that something is not as good as one believed it to be, especially significant for the Lost Generation after WWI.

Existentialism:

A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, often exploring themes of meaninglessness in a materialistic society.