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Gertrude Stein

Definition

Gertrude Stein was an American novelist, poet, and playwright known for her modernist writings, extensive art collection, and the literary salon she hosted in Paris.

Analogy

Think of Gertrude Stein as a sort of 'literary DJ'. Just like a DJ mixes different music tracks to create something new and exciting, Stein mixed traditional writing styles with experimental techniques to create her unique brand of literature.

Related terms

Modernism: A cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It marked a break with traditions and embraced new ways of expressing reality in art, literature, and social organization.

Avant-garde: The innovative or experimental concepts or works in the realm of culture, particularly in the arts. This term is often associated with pushing boundaries or breaking conventions - just like what Stein did with her writing.

Salon (in context of European history): An intellectual gathering or event where individuals discussed literature, politics or other societal topics. These were popular during the Enlightenment period but also had a resurgence during the time when Stein held hers in Paris.