Excess

Definition

Excess refers to an overwhelming or abundant amount of something, often beyond what is considered necessary or reasonable. In the context of the Lost Generation expatriate experience, it captures the feelings of disillusionment and indulgence that many writers and artists felt after World War I. This sense of excess often manifested in their lifestyles, which included hedonism and a rejection of traditional values, as they sought to escape the trauma of war and the moral ambiguities of modern life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Many members of the Lost Generation sought refuge in Paris, where they indulged in a lifestyle marked by excess in art, literature, and social activities.
2. The post-war period saw a rise in drinking, parties, and relationships that highlighted a sense of abandonment of societal norms among these expatriates.
3. The theme of excess is reflected in the works of authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, who often critiqued the lavish lifestyles of the wealthy and the emptiness behind them.
4. Excess also served as a coping mechanism for many expatriates, as they struggled to reconcile their experiences during the war with their desires for normalcy and fulfillment.
5. The juxtaposition of excess with feelings of emptiness is a recurring motif in Lost Generation literature, illustrating their deep-seated sense of loss and disconnection from traditional values.

Review Questions

• How did excess manifest in the lives of Lost Generation expatriates, and what were its implications on their literary works?
  • Excess manifested in various ways among Lost Generation expatriates, including lavish parties, heavy drinking, and uninhibited relationships. This lifestyle was not just for enjoyment; it reflected their disillusionment with traditional values after World War I. The implications were significant as this sense of excess influenced their literary works, often portraying characters who grappled with emptiness despite outward appearances of success and happiness.
• Analyze how the concept of excess influenced the themes present in key literary works from the Lost Generation.
  • The concept of excess heavily influenced themes in key literary works from the Lost Generation by serving as a backdrop for exploration of identity, morality, and disillusionment. In novels like 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, characters live opulent lives yet experience profound dissatisfaction. The stark contrast between their extravagant lifestyles and internal struggles embodies the idea that excess does not equate to fulfillment, prompting readers to reflect on deeper societal issues.
• Evaluate how the notion of excess in the Lost Generation expatriate experience relates to broader cultural shifts occurring in post-World War I society.
  • The notion of excess in the Lost Generation expatriate experience is closely tied to broader cultural shifts following World War I, marked by a questioning of established norms and values. As society grappled with the aftermath of war, many turned to indulgence as a means to cope with trauma. This shift was reflected not only in literature but also in changes to art, music, and social behaviors, ultimately reshaping modern culture by challenging previous conventions and embracing new forms of expression driven by a desire for liberation from tradition.

Related terms

Hedonism: A philosophy that prioritizes pleasure and happiness as the highest good, often linked to the indulgent lifestyles of many Lost Generation expatriates.

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 after the war.

Expatriate: A person who lives outside their native country, particularly referring to the artists and writers of the Lost Generation who settled in Europe during the early 20th century.