AMERICAN LITERATURE
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE 2OTH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT
MODERNISM
Known as a global movement that existed in both society and culture, Modernism
developed at the beginning of the 20th century, as a reaction to the widespread urbanization that
appeared after the Industrial, Revolution. It fostered a period of experimentation and re-
examination of the bases of society, particularly in the years following Word War I.
It represents a conscious break from the past, writers searching for a new way of expressing
themselves. By its spirit, Modernism is best reflected in Ezra Pound’s motto “Make it new”.
Few distinguishing characteristics of Modernism in literary field are:
• experimentation,
• individualism,
• multiple perspective,
• symbolism,
• imagery,
• allusions,
• absurdity,
• fragmentation,
• use of stream of consciousness,
• non-linear narrative,
• etc.
1.
, AMERICAN LITERATURE
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE 2OTH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT
F. Scott Fitzgerald
“The Great Gatsby” is a 1925 novel written by American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Unsuccessful upon publication, the novel is now considered a classic of American fiction and has
often been called the Great American Novel.
Narrated by Nick Carraway and set in the Jazz Age around New York City and the fictional
Long Island towns, the novel follows the tragic story of Jay Gatsby (a self-made millionaire) who
dreams of turning back time to regain his first love, Daisy Buchanan (a wealthy young woman
whom he loved in his youth).
F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the fragmented writing and non-linear narrative in “The Great
Gatsby”, and some other modern characteristics such as: allusions, imagery, loss of control,
uncertainty, alienation, corruption of the American Dream, breaking society’s rules, restlessness,
etc.
In this novel, F. Scott Fitzgerald offers up a variety of themes, like: love, justice, wealth,
power, greed, betrayal, the American dream, social stratification, etc. Also, some major symbols
of the novel are: the green light (Gatsby's hopes and dreams), the Valley of Ashes (the despair of
those who are used so that the rich can prosper), and the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg.
2.
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE 2OTH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT
MODERNISM
Known as a global movement that existed in both society and culture, Modernism
developed at the beginning of the 20th century, as a reaction to the widespread urbanization that
appeared after the Industrial, Revolution. It fostered a period of experimentation and re-
examination of the bases of society, particularly in the years following Word War I.
It represents a conscious break from the past, writers searching for a new way of expressing
themselves. By its spirit, Modernism is best reflected in Ezra Pound’s motto “Make it new”.
Few distinguishing characteristics of Modernism in literary field are:
• experimentation,
• individualism,
• multiple perspective,
• symbolism,
• imagery,
• allusions,
• absurdity,
• fragmentation,
• use of stream of consciousness,
• non-linear narrative,
• etc.
1.
, AMERICAN LITERATURE
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE 2OTH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT
F. Scott Fitzgerald
“The Great Gatsby” is a 1925 novel written by American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Unsuccessful upon publication, the novel is now considered a classic of American fiction and has
often been called the Great American Novel.
Narrated by Nick Carraway and set in the Jazz Age around New York City and the fictional
Long Island towns, the novel follows the tragic story of Jay Gatsby (a self-made millionaire) who
dreams of turning back time to regain his first love, Daisy Buchanan (a wealthy young woman
whom he loved in his youth).
F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the fragmented writing and non-linear narrative in “The Great
Gatsby”, and some other modern characteristics such as: allusions, imagery, loss of control,
uncertainty, alienation, corruption of the American Dream, breaking society’s rules, restlessness,
etc.
In this novel, F. Scott Fitzgerald offers up a variety of themes, like: love, justice, wealth,
power, greed, betrayal, the American dream, social stratification, etc. Also, some major symbols
of the novel are: the green light (Gatsby's hopes and dreams), the Valley of Ashes (the despair of
those who are used so that the rich can prosper), and the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg.
2.
