The lost generation

Definition

The lost generation refers to a group of American writers who emerged in the aftermath of World War I, characterized by a sense of disillusionment and dislocation. This term captures the feelings of betrayal and confusion experienced by these writers as they sought to navigate a world that seemed irrevocably changed by the war, often focusing on themes of alienation, loss, and the search for meaning in a fragmented society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'lost generation' was popularized by Gertrude Stein and often refers to writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, who expressed the disillusionment of their time.
2. Many members of the lost generation settled in Paris during the 1920s, finding inspiration in its vibrant artistic community and contrasting social atmosphere.
3. Their writings frequently dealt with themes of existential angst, the futility of war, and critiques of materialism in post-war American society.
4. The lost generation's literature helped shape modern American fiction, introducing innovative narrative techniques and exploring complex psychological states.
5. The impact of World War I on the lost generation extended beyond literature; it influenced cultural shifts, questioning traditional values and leading to new social attitudes in America.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of World War I shape the literary output of the lost generation?
  • World War I profoundly affected the lost generation writers, instilling a sense of disillusionment with societal values and traditional narratives. Many veterans returned home changed by their wartime experiences, leading them to question the ideals they had once held. This resulted in literature that often explored themes of alienation and existential despair, as these authors sought to articulate their struggles in a rapidly changing world.
• Discuss the role of Gertrude Stein in defining the lost generation and her influence on other writers during this period.
  • Gertrude Stein played a pivotal role in defining the lost generation through her interactions with other expatriate writers in Paris. By coining the term 'lost generation,' she captured the disorientation felt by these artists in a post-war world. Stein's avant-garde literary style and her salons provided a nurturing environment for writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, allowing them to experiment with form and content while sharing their experiences of dislocation.
• Evaluate how F. Scott Fitzgerald's works reflect the broader characteristics and themes associated with the lost generation.
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels, particularly 'The Great Gatsby,' encapsulate many characteristics of the lost generation, highlighting themes of disillusionment, moral decay, and the hollowness of the American Dream. Through his portrayal of characters who pursue wealth and status yet remain unfulfilled, Fitzgerald critiques materialism while exposing deeper emotional struggles. His work serves as both a reflection of his personal experiences and a commentary on the societal shifts occurring during his time, reinforcing the ethos of the lost generation.

Related terms

disillusionment: A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be, prevalent among the lost generation due to their experiences during and after World War I.

expatriate: A person who lives outside their native country, many lost generation writers moved to Europe, particularly Paris, seeking artistic freedom and a break from American society.

modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing new forms of expression and a break from traditional styles, significantly influencing the works of the lost generation writers.