Can someone give me an overview about American literature of the 1920-1930 and the 1950-1960s & how is changed & how history american history impacted it...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_literature#Beginning_of_the_20th_century
Okay, this would help a bit.
Ms. Sue are you a real teacher
Yes, I'm a real teacher. :-)
You know that most teachers tell you not too use wiki
Wikipedia has excellent ratings. Although at first, anyone could edit this encyclopedia, that glitch was corrected several years ago.
http://library.blogs.delaware.gov/2013/05/05/is-wikipedia-a-reliable-source/
As with any sources, check other reliable sources to ascertain the accuracy of your information. Also, be sure to look at the recommended articles below each article.
I've found that for non-controversial subjects such as American lit, Wikipedia is a good source.
I wish my teachers knew this..
Thanks anyway!
You are welcome.
Certainly! American literature during the 1920-1930s and the 1950-1960s underwent significant changes influenced by both cultural shifts and historical events. Let's explore these periods and understand how American history impacted them.
1. 1920-1930s:
During the 1920s, an era known as the "Roaring Twenties," American literature was marked by an explosion of creativity, experimentation, and change. This period is often referred to as the "Lost Generation" or the "Jazz Age." Here are some key characteristics:
a) Literary movements:
- The Lost Generation: Many writers, disillusioned by the aftermath of World War I, criticized the materialism and conformity of American society. Notable authors include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Gertrude Stein.
- Modernism: This movement challenged traditional writing styles and embraced experimentation, fragmentation, and non-linear narratives.
- Harlem Renaissance: African American writers like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay emerged, highlighting the experiences and struggles of Black Americans.
b) Influences of historical events and societal changes:
- The aftermath of World War I: The war's destruction and the loss of faith in traditional values fueled a sense of disillusionment among writers, portrayed in their works.
- Prohibition: The ban on alcohol consumption led to the rise of speakeasies and underground culture, influencing narratives and characters in literature.
- Women's suffrage and changing gender roles: Women gained the right to vote in 1920, sparking discussions about femininity, independence, and the changing social dynamics.
2. 1950-1960s:
The 1950s and 1960s were marked by Cold War anxieties, Civil Rights movements, and social activism. This period witnessed significant changes in American literature, reflecting the political and social landscape:
a) Literary movements:
- Beat Generation: Writers like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs rejected mainstream ideals and embraced spontaneous prose, nonconformity, and exploration of alternative lifestyles.
- Civil Rights literature: African American authors, such as James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, and Lorraine Hansberry, explored racial inequality, identity, and the struggle for equal rights.
b) Influences of historical events and societal changes:
- Cold War tensions: The fear of nuclear war, anti-communist sentiments, and the Red Scare influenced literary works, reflecting the anxiety and paranoia prevalent during this period.
- Civil Rights movement: The fight for racial equality and the push for desegregation influenced literature, highlighting the experiences and challenges faced by African Americans.
- Feminist movement: The second wave of feminism gained momentum during the 1960s, leading to literature exploring women's rights, gender roles, and sexuality.
In summary, American literature of the 1920-1930s and the 1950-1960s experienced diverse movements and literary styles influenced by historical events and societal changes. These time periods showcased the impact of World War I disillusionment, Prohibition, women's suffrage, the Cold War, Civil Rights movements, and feminist activism on the works of American writers.