Lost generation

Definition

The lost generation refers to a group of American writers and artists who came of age during or just after World War I, experiencing disillusionment and existential crisis in the wake of the war. This generation grappled with feelings of betrayal by society and government, leading to a cultural shift in art and literature that expressed their discontent and search for meaning in a changed world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'lost generation' was popularized by Gertrude Stein and often refers specifically to a group of writers including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Eliot.
2. Many members of the lost generation were influenced by their experiences in World War I, which left them questioning traditional values and societal norms.
3. The lost generation's works often depicted themes of alienation, aimlessness, and the pursuit of identity amidst chaos.
4. Paris became a cultural hub for many lost generation artists and writers who sought creative freedom away from post-war America.
5. The legacy of the lost generation continues to influence contemporary literature and art, as their struggles with identity and purpose resonate with modern audiences.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of World War I contribute to the feelings of disillusionment among the lost generation?
  • The experiences of World War I deeply impacted the lost generation, as many young adults witnessed the horrors and futility of war. This exposure led to a sense of betrayal towards society's values, as they felt that the ideals they were raised with did not align with the harsh realities they faced. The trauma and loss they experienced resulted in a widespread feeling of disillusionment that permeated their writings and art.
• Discuss how modernism was shaped by the lost generation and its response to post-war society.
  • Modernism emerged as a response to the profound changes in society brought about by World War I, with the lost generation playing a crucial role in this cultural movement. Writers and artists sought new ways to express their feelings of dislocation and despair, breaking away from traditional forms. This resulted in innovative techniques such as stream-of-consciousness writing and abstract art, which reflected their fragmented realities and critiques of contemporary society.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the lost generation on American culture and literature in relation to later artistic movements.
  • The lost generation had a lasting impact on American culture and literature by paving the way for future artistic movements that grappled with themes of identity, alienation, and existentialism. Their bold experimentation with style and form influenced subsequent generations of writers and artists, encouraging them to explore complex human emotions and societal critiques. This legacy can be seen in movements such as postmodernism, where similar themes are re-examined in different contexts, proving that the struggles faced by the lost generation remain relevant today.

Related terms

disillusionment: A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be, often experienced by those in the lost generation after the war.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break with tradition and a search for new forms of expression, significantly influenced by the lost generation.

expatriate: A person who lives outside their native country; many members of the lost generation became expatriates, finding solace and inspiration in Europe after the war.