Gilded Age Literary Movement

Definition

The Gilded Age Literary Movement refers to a period of American literature from the 1870s to the early 1900s that critiques the societal issues arising during the rapid industrialization and economic growth of the United States. This movement is characterized by realism and naturalism, emphasizing social problems, class struggles, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a changing society. The literature produced during this time reflects both the extravagance and the corruption of the era, which is aptly described by Mark Twain's coining of the term 'Gilded Age'.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gilded Age Literary Movement produced notable authors such as Henry James, Edith Wharton, and Stephen Crane, who tackled complex social issues in their works.
2. Mark Twain's novel 'The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today' highlighted the era's corruption and greed, influencing the public's perception of the time.
3. Many works during this period focused on the lives of immigrants, laborers, and the growing divide between the wealthy elite and the working class.
4. The themes of disillusionment and moral ambiguity were prevalent in Gilded Age literature, reflecting societal changes and challenges.
5. Literary realism emerged as a response to romanticism, with authors aiming to portray life more authentically by addressing contemporary issues.

Review Questions

• How did the Gilded Age Literary Movement reflect the social issues of its time?
  • The Gilded Age Literary Movement reflected social issues through its focus on realism and naturalism, portraying the stark realities faced by individuals amid rapid industrialization. Authors addressed themes such as economic disparity, class struggle, and corruption in politics and business. By presenting these challenges in their narratives, writers like Mark Twain and Edith Wharton captured the essence of a society grappling with both progress and inequality.
• Discuss how realism differed from romanticism during the Gilded Age, particularly in literary works.
  • Realism differed from romanticism by rejecting idealized portrayals of life, instead opting for depictions grounded in everyday experiences. While romanticism emphasized emotion and individualism, realism focused on accuracy and detail in its representation of characters and settings. This shift allowed authors during the Gilded Age to highlight societal issues, such as poverty and injustice, using relatable characters instead of heroic figures typical in romantic literature.
• Evaluate the impact of key authors from the Gilded Age Literary Movement on contemporary literature and society's understanding of that period.
  • Key authors from the Gilded Age Literary Movement significantly impacted contemporary literature by introducing themes that remain relevant today. Their exploration of social issues laid groundwork for future movements like modernism and social realism. Writers such as Mark Twain and Henry James not only influenced narrative techniques but also shaped public discourse about class divisions and moral complexities. Their works continue to resonate as they invite readers to examine societal structures critically, making them pivotal in understanding both the past and present.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that sought to depict everyday life and society as it truly was, focusing on ordinary characters and their struggles.

Naturalism: A literary approach that extends realism by applying principles of scientific determinism, illustrating how environment and heredity shape human behavior.

Mark Twain:

An influential author and humorist known for his works such as 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', which reflect the themes of the Gilded Age.