How did the work of John Dos Passos respond to societal changes following World War I?
A.He criticized the rich and their lack of empathy.
B.He rejected the traditional method of romanticizing war and violence.
C. He wrote pieces about the death of the American Dream.
D. He sculpted surrealist, cubist figures in unconventional ways.
C. He wrote pieces about the death of the American Dream.
B. He rejected the traditional method of romanticizing war and violence.
C. He wrote pieces about the death of the American Dream.
To determine how the work of John Dos Passos responds to societal changes following World War I, we can analyze his writings and ideas from that time period.
Firstly, Dos Passos's work can be characterized by social criticism and a focus on the working class. He was known for criticizing the rich and their lack of empathy, which aligns with option A. In his novel "The Big Money," for example, Dos Passos portrays the lives of both wealthy individuals and working-class Americans, highlighting the vast disparities between them.
Secondly, Dos Passos rejected the traditional method of romanticizing war and violence. This can be seen in his trilogy "U.S.A.," which fictionalizes history through a fragmented narrative style, often blending fact and fiction. He aimed to provide a more realistic and critical portrayal of war and its consequences, opting for a more objective approach rather than glorifying violence. This aligns with option B.
While Dos Passos did write extensively about societal issues, particularly the struggles of the working class, option C may be an oversimplification. The American Dream, though mentioned in his works and critiqued indirectly, was not the sole focus of his writings.
Lastly, option D is incorrect. John Dos Passos was primarily a writer and not a sculptor. His contributions to literature, particularly his novels and essays, are the primary aspect of his work for which he is renowned.
In summary, the works of John Dos Passos respond to societal changes following World War I by criticizing the rich and their lack of empathy (option A) and rejecting the traditional method of romanticizing war and violence (option B).