9.2 Interwar period literature
9 min read•august 21, 2024
The interwar period, spanning 1918 to 1939, was a time of immense change and literary innovation. Writers grappled with the aftermath of , economic instability, and the rise of totalitarian regimes, leading to new forms of expression.
, , and the emerged as key movements. Authors like , , and pioneered experimental techniques, exploring themes of , social critique, and the human psyche in groundbreaking works.
Historical context of interwar period
- Interwar period spans from 1918 to 1939, between World War I and World War II
- Marked by significant political, economic, and social changes that influenced literary themes and styles
- Writers grappled with the aftermath of war, societal upheaval, and technological advancements
Political landscape after WWI
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- Treaty of Versailles reshaped European borders and power dynamics
- Formation of the League of Nations aimed to prevent future conflicts
- Rise of nationalist movements in various countries (Germany, Italy, Spain)
- Collapse of empires led to the emergence of new nation-states (Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire)
Economic instability and depression
- Hyperinflation in Germany during the early 1920s devastated the economy
- Stock market crash of 1929 triggered
- Widespread unemployment and poverty affected millions globally
- Economic hardships influenced literary themes of struggle and disillusionment
Rise of totalitarian regimes
- gained power in Italy under Mussolini's leadership
- Nazi Party's ascent in Germany led by Adolf Hitler
- Stalinism consolidated control in the Soviet Union
- Authoritarian governments suppressed artistic freedom and promoted propaganda
Major literary movements
- Interwar period witnessed a shift in literary styles and philosophies
- Writers experimented with new forms of expression to capture the era's complexities
- Literary movements reflected the changing social and cultural landscape
Modernism vs traditionalism
- Modernism rejected traditional forms and embraced experimentation
- technique emerged as a hallmark of modernist writing
- Fragmented narratives mirrored the disjointed nature of modern life
- Traditionalists maintained classical forms and structures in literature
- Debate between modernists and traditionalists shaped literary discourse
Surrealism and avant-garde
- Surrealism explored the subconscious mind and dream-like imagery
- Automatic writing technique aimed to tap into the unconscious
- challenged conventional artistic norms
- Avant-garde artists pushed boundaries in literature and visual arts
- Manifestos (Surrealist Manifesto) outlined principles of new artistic movements
Lost Generation writers
- Term coined by to describe post-WWI expatriate writers
- Characterized by disillusionment with traditional values and societal norms
- 's sparse prose style exemplified Lost Generation writing
- explored themes of wealth and the American Dream
- Paris became a hub for expatriate writers and artists
Themes in interwar literature
- Literature of this period reflected the era's uncertainties and social changes
- Writers explored new ways to express the human condition in a rapidly changing world
- Themes often intersected with political and philosophical ideas of the time
Disillusionment and alienation
- Loss of faith in traditional institutions and values
- Sense of rootlessness and displacement among characters
- Exploration of existential questions and meaning of life
- from society and difficulty in human connections
- Works like T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" captured this mood
Critique of social norms
- Questioning of established gender roles and expectations
- Examination of class structures and economic inequalities
- Satire used to expose societal hypocrisies and flaws
- Challenges to religious and moral conventions
- Virginia Woolf's "" critiqued British upper-class society
Exploration of human psyche
- Influence of Freudian psychoanalysis on literary characters
- Delving into subconscious desires and motivations
- Portrayal of mental illness and psychological trauma
- Use of interior monologue to reveal characters' thoughts
- James Joyce's "" extensively explored the human mind
Influential authors and works
- Interwar period produced groundbreaking literary works that shaped modern literature
- Authors experimented with form, language, and narrative techniques
- Many works from this era continue to be studied and influential in World Literature
T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land"
- Published in 1922, considered a landmark modernist poem
- Fragmented structure reflects post-war cultural fragmentation
- Incorporates multiple voices, languages, and literary allusions
- Themes of spiritual emptiness and cultural decay
- Influenced by Eliot's own nervous breakdown and contemporary events
James Joyce's "Ulysses"
- Published in 1922, revolutionized the novel form
- Parallels Homer's "Odyssey" in a single day in Dublin
- Employs stream of consciousness and interior monologue extensively
- Explores themes of Irish identity, fatherhood, and everyday life
- Challenged obscenity laws and literary conventions of the time
Virginia Woolf's stream of consciousness
- Pioneered the use of stream of consciousness in novels
- "Mrs. Dalloway" (1925) follows a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway
- "To the Lighthouse" (1927) explores perception of time and memory
- Focused on inner thoughts and impressions of characters
- Challenged traditional narrative structures and linear storytelling
Experimental narrative techniques
- Writers sought new ways to represent the complexities of modern life
- Narrative innovations reflected changing perceptions of time and reality
- Experimental techniques aimed to capture the fragmented nature of experience
Stream of consciousness
- Attempts to depict the flow of thoughts and sensations in a character's mind
- Often lacks punctuation or traditional sentence structure
- Jumps between past, present, and future without clear transitions
- Reveals character's inner world and subconscious thoughts
- William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury" exemplifies this technique
Fragmented narrative structures
- Non-linear storytelling that disrupts chronological order
- Multiple perspectives and narrators within a single work
- Use of flashbacks, flash-forwards, and parallel storylines
- Reflects the disjointed nature of memory and experience
- 's "" employs fragmented narrative techniques
Unreliable narrators
- Narrators whose credibility is compromised or questionable
- Challenges readers to discern truth from the narrator's perspective
- Can be due to mental instability, bias, or deliberate deception
- Creates ambiguity and multiple interpretations of events
- 's "" features a notably
Impact of technological advancements
- Rapid technological progress during the interwar period influenced literature
- Writers incorporated new technologies into their themes and narratives
- Technological changes affected both the content and form of literary works
Influence of cinema on literature
- Cinematic techniques adapted for literary narratives (montage, close-ups)
- Visual storytelling influenced descriptive techniques in prose
- Emergence of screenplay as a new literary form
- Cross-pollination between literature and film (adaptations, collaborations)
- Writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald worked in Hollywood, influencing their style
Radio and mass communication
- Radio broadcasts introduced new forms of storytelling and drama
- Increased access to information influenced literary themes and settings
- Rise of propaganda and its impact on public discourse reflected in literature
- Orson Welles's "War of the Worlds" broadcast demonstrated radio's power
- Writers explored the effects of mass media on society and individual psyche
Mechanization in society
- Industrial advancements changed the landscape of work and daily life
- Literature explored themes of alienation in mechanized societies
- Dystopian visions of technology-dominated futures emerged
- Critique of dehumanization in modern industrial settings
- 's "" examined a mechanized, controlled society
Gender roles and sexuality
- Interwar period saw significant shifts in societal norms and expectations
- Literature both reflected and challenged traditional gender roles
- Exploration of sexuality became more open in some literary circles
Women's suffrage movement
- Literature addressed the fight for women's voting rights
- Depiction of politically active women in novels and plays
- Exploration of changing social dynamics due to women's empowerment
- Writers like documented women's wartime experiences
- Virginia Woolf's "" advocated for women's literary voice
Changing family dynamics
- Portrayal of evolving roles within the family unit
- Exploration of working women and their impact on domestic life
- Examination of generational conflicts and changing values
- Depiction of single parenthood and non-traditional families
- D.H. Lawrence's "Sons and Lovers" explored complex family relationships
LGBTQ+ representation in literature
- Increased visibility of LGBTQ+ themes and characters in literature
- Exploration of gender identity and non-conformity
- Coded language and subtexts used to discuss sexuality
- Challenges to heteronormative narratives and relationships
- Radclyffe Hall's "The Well of Loneliness" addressed lesbian themes openly
Colonialism and postcolonial perspectives
- Literature of this period began to critically examine colonial legacies
- Emergence of voices from colonized and formerly colonized nations
- Exploration of cultural identity and the impact of imperialism
Literature from former colonies
- Growth of literary traditions in languages other than those of colonial powers
- Exploration of indigenous cultures and traditions in literature
- Narratives of resistance and cultural preservation
- Emergence of hybrid literary forms blending Western and local traditions
- Mulk Raj Anand's works highlighted social issues in colonial India
Critique of imperial powers
- Literature exposing the brutalities and injustices of colonial rule
- Satirical works mocking colonial administrators and policies
- Exploration of the psychological impact of colonialism on both colonizer and colonized
- Questioning of the "civilizing mission" narrative
- 's "" critiqued British colonial practices
Emergence of national identities
- Literature played a role in shaping and expressing national consciousness
- Exploration of cultural heritage and traditions in newly independent nations
- Use of local languages and dialects in literature to assert identity
- Themes of nation-building and post-colonial challenges
- 's works later explored the complexities of Nigerian identity
War literature and pacifism
- World War I's impact continued to resonate in interwar literature
- Writers grappled with the trauma and disillusionment of the war experience
- Anti-war sentiment and pacifist ideologies influenced many works
Memoirs and autobiographies
- First-hand accounts of war experiences gained popularity
- Soldiers' diaries and letters formed basis for literary works
- Exploration of the physical and emotional toll of warfare
- Women's perspectives on war and home front experiences
- Vera Brittain's "" chronicled her wartime nursing experiences
Anti-war poetry and prose
- Poets like and critiqued war's futility
- Novels depicting the horrors and absurdities of war ('s "")
- Use of irony and dark humor to convey anti-war messages
- Pacifist themes in works by authors like Ernest Hemingway
- Exploration of war's impact on civilian populations
Psychological effects of warfare
- Literature examining shell shock and combat trauma
- Portrayal of veterans struggling to reintegrate into society
- Exploration of survivor's guilt and moral injury
- Use of stream of consciousness to convey fragmented war memories
- Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" included a shell-shocked soldier character
Cultural and artistic cross-pollination
- Interwar period saw increased global cultural exchange
- Literary movements and styles influenced each other across borders
- Translation and travel facilitated the spread of diverse literary voices
Harlem Renaissance influence
- African American literary and cultural movement's impact beyond the U.S.
- Exploration of black identity and experience in a global context
- Jazz and blues influences in poetry and prose
- Writers like Langston Hughes gained international recognition
- Influence on European perceptions of African American culture
European expatriate communities
- Paris as a hub for American and British writers (Lost Generation)
- Cross-cultural exchanges in cafes and salons
- Influence of European avant-garde movements on expatriate writers
- Gertrude Stein's salon as a meeting point for artists and writers
- Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" captured expatriate life in Europe
Translation and global literary exchange
- Increased translation of works from various languages
- Introduction of non-Western literary traditions to European and American readers
- Influence of translated works on local literary styles and themes
- Rise of comparative literature as an academic discipline
- Jorge Luis Borges's translations introduced Latin American literature to wider audiences
Key Terms to Review (41)
A room of one's own: The phrase 'a room of one's own' refers to the idea that for women to write and create literature, they need financial independence and personal space. This concept emphasizes the importance of autonomy and the ability to have a private space where creativity can flourish, reflecting broader feminist issues of equality and self-expression.
Aldous Huxley: Aldous Huxley was a British author and philosopher, best known for his novel 'Brave New World,' published in 1932. His works often explore themes of dystopia, technology, and the impact of modernity on human society, making significant contributions to interwar period literature as he critiqued the implications of industrialization and the loss of individuality.
Alienation: Alienation refers to a feeling of disconnection or estrangement from oneself, others, or society as a whole. This concept often highlights the struggles individuals face in modern life, reflecting their isolation amidst societal changes and personal crises. In literature, it serves as a key theme, illustrating the impact of modernity, existentialism, and absurdity on the human experience.
All Quiet on the Western Front: 'All Quiet on the Western Front' is a novel written by Erich Maria Remarque that tells the story of a group of young German soldiers during World War I, focusing on their harrowing experiences and the psychological trauma they face as they confront the brutality of war. This work captures the disillusionment felt by a generation that experienced the horrors of trench warfare, making it a significant text in understanding war literature, anti-war themes, and the reflections on conflict across subsequent literary periods.
Brave New World: Brave New World is a dystopian novel written by Aldous Huxley, published in 1932. It presents a futuristic society characterized by extreme technological control, state-sponsored conditioning, and the prioritization of pleasure over individuality. This novel reflects modernist themes, as it critiques contemporary society's reliance on technology and the loss of human values, while also addressing the anxieties of the interwar period, where rapid industrialization and totalitarianism were on the rise.
Burmese Days: Burmese Days is a novel written by George Orwell, published in 1934, that critiques British colonialism in Burma through the story of a disillusioned Englishman living in a fictional town. The narrative reveals the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals under colonial rule while exposing the corrupt and oppressive nature of imperialism, which resonates with the themes prevalent in interwar period literature.
Chinua Achebe: Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, best known for his seminal work 'Things Fall Apart,' which explores the effects of colonialism on traditional African societies. His writing serves as a cornerstone of African postcolonial literature, addressing themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the complexities of postcolonial existence.
Communism: Communism is a political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society in which all property is publicly owned, and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. It seeks to eliminate capitalism and promote collective ownership, aiming for an egalitarian society where resources are distributed based on need rather than wealth. This ideology gained significant traction during the interwar period, influencing various literary movements and social narratives.
Dada movement: The dada movement was an avant-garde cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its anti-art stance and rejection of traditional aesthetics. It arose as a reaction to the horrors of World War I, promoting chaos, absurdity, and spontaneity as forms of artistic expression. Dada sought to challenge the established norms of art and society, paving the way for later movements like surrealism, which further explored the irrational aspects of human experience.
Disillusionment: Disillusionment is the feeling of disappointment that arises when reality does not meet expectations, often leading to a sense of loss or disenchantment. This theme is prevalent in various forms of literature, reflecting the existential crises and questioning of values experienced by individuals and societies during times of upheaval and change.
Erich Maria Remarque: Erich Maria Remarque was a German author best known for his novel 'All Quiet on the Western Front,' which provides a harrowing portrayal of the experiences of soldiers during World War I. His works capture the profound disillusionment and trauma faced by those who lived through the horrors of war, making him a pivotal figure in both World War I and anti-war literature.
Ernest Hemingway: Ernest Hemingway was a renowned American novelist and short story writer known for his distinct writing style characterized by economy and understatement. His works often reflect themes of war, love, loss, and the human condition, which align with the broader movement of literary Modernism. Hemingway's unique voice and approach significantly influenced literature during the Interwar period and shaped the genre of war novels and memoirs.
Existentialism: Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that individuals are responsible for creating meaning in their own lives despite the inherent absurdity of the world. This perspective has significantly influenced literature, where characters often grapple with the complexities of existence, the search for identity, and the confrontation with mortality.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American novelist and short story writer, widely regarded as one of the most significant figures of 20th-century literature. His works often reflect the themes of the Jazz Age, capturing the moral and social dilemmas of the era, and he is best known for his novel 'The Great Gatsby,' which explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. His writing is characterized by lyrical prose and vivid imagery, marking a turning point in literary Modernism.
Fascism: Fascism is a far-right authoritarian political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, extreme nationalism, and the suppression of political opposition. It promotes the idea of a strong centralized state led by a single leader, often emphasizing militarism and the subordination of individual rights to the goals of the nation. This ideology gained prominence during the interwar period, shaping literature as writers reacted to the political and social turmoil of the time.
Formalism: Formalism is a critical approach in literary theory that emphasizes the structure, style, and form of a text over its content or context. This method focuses on elements like grammar, narrative techniques, and symbolism to analyze literature, promoting an understanding of how these components contribute to the overall meaning of the work.
George Orwell: George Orwell was a British author and journalist known for his critical commentary on social injustice, totalitarianism, and the misuse of power. His works, particularly 'Animal Farm' and '1984', are significant examples of interwar period literature that critique authoritarian regimes and explore themes of surveillance, propaganda, and individual freedom.
Gertrude Stein: Gertrude Stein was an influential American avant-garde writer, art collector, and a prominent figure in the Modernist movement during the early 20th century. Her works often challenged conventional narrative forms and embraced experimental techniques, making her a key figure in shaping modern literature. She played a crucial role in the cultural landscape of her time, particularly through her relationships with other artists and writers, which helped to foster new artistic movements.
James Joyce: James Joyce was an influential Irish modernist writer known for his groundbreaking narrative techniques and innovative use of language, particularly in his works 'Ulysses' and 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.' His style and thematic explorations contributed significantly to the emergence of literary modernism, showcasing a deep psychological insight into characters' thoughts and emotions.
John Dos Passos: John Dos Passos was an American novelist and artist, best known for his innovative narrative style and social commentary during the early 20th century. His works often reflect the disillusionment of the Interwar period and the impact of World War I, making him a significant figure in both modernist literature and war narratives.
Lost generation: The term 'lost generation' refers to a group of American writers who were disillusioned by the devastation of World War I and the societal changes that followed. This generation felt alienated from traditional values and norms, often expressing their discontent through literature that reflected themes of disillusionment, moral ambiguity, and existential angst. Their works are characterized by a sense of searching for meaning in a rapidly changing world, particularly during the interwar period.
Modernism: Modernism is a broad cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles and a quest for new forms of expression. This movement reflected the rapid changes in society, technology, and thought during this period, influencing various literary techniques and themes.
Mrs. Dalloway: Mrs. Dalloway is a modernist novel written by Virginia Woolf, first published in 1925. It explores the inner thoughts and experiences of Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a party, using a stream of consciousness technique to reveal her memories and feelings. This narrative style deeply connects with the themes of modernism, the impact of World War I on society, and the exploration of identity and mental health during the interwar period.
Pale Fire: Pale Fire is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov that is structured as a poem and a commentary, creating a complex interplay between text and interpretation. This metafictional work blurs the lines between author and reader, as well as between fiction and reality, challenging readers to question the nature of authorship and narrative. Its unique format showcases how storytelling can be manipulated and emphasizes the subjective nature of interpretation.
Siegfried Sassoon: Siegfried Sassoon was a British poet and soldier known for his poignant war poetry that captures the horrors of World War I. His work reflects the disillusionment of soldiers and critiques the romanticism of war, establishing him as a significant voice in war literature during and after the conflict. Sassoon's literary contributions played a key role in shaping the narrative of war experience in the 20th century.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions as they occur in the mind. This style often blurs the line between internal dialogue and external reality, allowing readers to experience a character's thought process in a more intimate and fluid manner.
Surrealism: Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that seeks to unleash the creative potential of the unconscious mind by juxtaposing irrational imagery and unexpected elements. This movement emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the constraints of rationalism and sought to explore deeper psychological truths, often connecting dreams with reality.
T.S. Eliot: T.S. Eliot was a prominent modernist poet, essayist, and playwright known for his innovative use of language and form in 20th-century literature. His works often reflect the disillusionment and fragmentation of post-World War I society, making significant contributions to the evolution of modernist poetry and the literary landscape during the interwar period. Eliot's unique blend of tradition and modernity resonates through his explorations of themes like time, identity, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Testament of youth: Testament of Youth is an autobiographical work by Vera Brittain, documenting her experiences and thoughts during World War I and the interwar period. It highlights the impact of war on young lives, especially focusing on loss, grief, and the changing societal roles of women. The narrative serves as a poignant reflection on the futility of war and a critique of the romanticized view of conflict prevalent at the time.
The great depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, characterized by a dramatic decline in industrial output, mass unemployment, and widespread poverty. This period not only reshaped economies but also had profound effects on literature, art, and culture, as artists and writers responded to the struggles of everyday people and the existential crises of the time.
The little review: The little review refers to a literary magazine founded in 1914 that played a crucial role in publishing modernist works and promoting avant-garde literature. It was instrumental in giving a platform to innovative writers, thereby shaping the landscape of 20th-century literature and reflecting the artistic movements of its time.
The Waste Land: The Waste Land is a landmark modernist poem written by T.S. Eliot, published in 1922, that reflects the disillusionment and fragmentation of post-World War I society. It captures the chaos and despair of the time through its diverse voices and allusions, illustrating the sense of cultural desolation and loss experienced by individuals in an increasingly mechanized and disjointed world. The poem employs innovative structures and styles to mirror the complexities of contemporary life, making it a quintessential example of modernist literature.
Transition: Transition refers to the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another. In the context of the interwar period, this term highlights the significant shifts in literature, culture, and society that emerged after World War I and before World War II, as writers grappled with new realities, ideologies, and artistic movements.
U.s.a. trilogy: The u.s.a. trilogy is a series of three novels by John Dos Passos, published between 1930 and 1936, that collectively depict American life and society during the early 20th century, particularly the interwar period. The trilogy consists of 'The 42nd Parallel,' '1919,' and 'The Big Money,' which together present a multi-faceted view of America through the lives of various characters, historical figures, and innovative narrative techniques like stream-of-consciousness and the 'newsreel' format.
Ulysses: Ulysses is a modernist novel written by James Joyce, first published in 1922. It is celebrated for its innovative use of stream of consciousness technique, capturing the thoughts and experiences of its characters in real-time, mirroring the complexities of human consciousness. The novel is set in Dublin on a single day, June 16, 1904, and is known for its intricate structure, deep symbolism, and rich linguistic experimentation, making it a pivotal work in 20th-century literature.
Unreliable Narrator: An unreliable narrator is a storytelling device where the credibility of the narrator is compromised, leading to a skewed or distorted representation of events and characters. This technique often serves to engage readers by challenging their perceptions, forcing them to question the truth of the narrative and consider alternative viewpoints. By presenting conflicting perspectives, this device enhances themes of subjectivity and ambiguity, which are significant in various literary movements.
Vera Brittain: Vera Brittain was a British writer and pacifist known for her memoir, 'Testament of Youth,' which recounts her experiences during World War I, including the loss of loved ones and the impact of war on society. Her work offers a poignant critique of the war and reflects the disillusionment prevalent during the interwar period.
Virginia Woolf: Virginia Woolf was an influential British author and a key figure in the modernist literary movement, known for her innovative narrative techniques and exploration of the human psyche. Her works often delve into themes of identity, gender, and the inner lives of women, connecting deeply to various movements and forms within literature.
Vladimir Nabokov: Vladimir Nabokov was a Russian-American novelist, poet, and literary critic, known for his intricate prose style and complex narrative structures. He is often associated with postmodernism due to his innovative storytelling techniques and playful approach to language, which challenge traditional narrative forms. His most famous work, 'Lolita', exemplifies his exploration of controversial themes and the subjective nature of truth, making him a significant figure in both interwar period literature and postmodern literature.
Wilfred Owen: Wilfred Owen was an English poet known for his poignant war poetry that vividly depicted the horrors and futility of World War I. His work connects deeply with themes of trauma and loss, making him a significant figure in the literary landscape of wartime literature and anti-war movements.
World War I: World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918, involving many of the world's great powers divided into two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. This devastating war marked a significant turning point in history, shaping the political, social, and cultural landscape of the 20th century and influencing various literary movements and themes that emerged in its aftermath.