American Lit Context

Question 1

America 1880-1900:

Answer 1

• Build up of wealth on the Eastern seafront (region of USA)

- Social concerns that mirror those of Europe: rich vs poor, isolation of the ‘other’, unemployment

Question 2

America 1900-1920:

Answer 2

• Rise of realism artistic movement
• Rise of mass immigration from Europe
• Prohibition
• Depression/pessimism as a result of WW1

Question 3

America 1920-1930:

Answer 3

• Post-war topics
• The economic ‘Boom’, also deemed the ‘Jazz Age’, as number of jobs increased astronomically and more people had more disposable income
• Jobs in construction and mass production increase
• Unemployment remained present, though
• May demonstrate hedonistic, over-indulgent lifestyles
• Increase in women working and gaining financial independence

Question 4

America 1930-1940:

Answer 4

• Economic depression
• Increase in homelessness, unemployment and suicide
• Increase in migration; particularly agricultural workers from the East/Midwest migrating to the West for work

Question 5

Trends in American literature:

Answer 5

• Often display clashes between cultures/religions/ethnicities, as there was a large increase in diversity in this time (America was referred to as a ‘cultural hotpot’)
• The Pioneer Spirit: society on the move, striving for change and prosperity- adventure and exploration
• The American Dream: anyone from anywhere can achieve financial success in America despite religion, sex, race, age, etc…
• Class and social divisions