Influences
The "Great War" or "War to End All Wars", was a global conflict which lasted from 1914 to 1918, and is considered one of the deadliest conflicts in history.
World War 1
The novel’s narrator
Honest, tolerant, and inclined to reserve judgment.
next-door neighbor, the mysterious Jay Gatsby.
Nick Carraway
Nick's Father
Modernist literature employed a number of different experimental writing techniques that broke the conventional rules of storytelling. Some of those techniques include blended imagery and themes, absurdism, nonlinear narratives, and stream of consciousness—which is a free flowing inner monologue.
Experimentation
Reaction of artists and writers to the new society formed because of industrialization.
Modernism
18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors
Prohibition
A competitive golfer
Represents one of the “new women” of the 1920s—cynical, boyish, and self-centered.
Beautiful, but also dishonest
Jordan Baker
Nick returns from ______ ,moves to _____ Egg, and has how many roommates in his Bungalow for $__ a month.
WWI, West, $80
Modernist literature typically focuses on the _______, rather than society as a whole. Stories follow characters as they adapt to a changing world, often dealing with difficult circumstances and challenges.
Individualism
a state of depersonalization or loss of identity in which the self seems unreal, thought to be caused by difficulties in relating to society and the resulting prolonged inhibition of emotion.
Alienation
Between 1929 and 1939 was a period of great economic decline worldwide that became evident after a major fall in stock prices in the United States
The Great Depression
Powerfully built and hailing from a socially solid old family, arrogant, hypocritical bully.
Social attitudes are laced with racism and sexism, and he never even considers trying to live up to the moral standard he demands from those around him.
Tom Buchanan
What household item keeps interrupting dinner? Who is behind the constant disturbance?
The telephone, Myrtle, Tom's Mistress
Many modernist writers wrote in the first person perspective with multiple characters to emphasize the subjectivity of each character, and add depth to the story by presenting a variety of viewpoints.
Multiple Perspectives
A narrative mode which seeks to portray an individual’s point of view by giving the written equivalent of the character’s thought processes, either through loose interior monologue or in connection to action.
Stream of Consciousness
A series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt
The New Deal
Has a deep need to be loved.
She is sardonic and somewhat cynical, and behaves superficially to mask her pain.
Daisy Buchanan
When Daisy is talking privately with Nick she tells him about the birth of her daughter. When she finds out that her child is a girl what does she state that she hopes for?
That the girl will be a beautiful little fool
Many modernist poets rejected the traditional structure of poetry and opted for _________, which lacks a consistent rhyme scheme, metrical pattern, or musical form.
Free Verse
Having the larger population living in the city compared to rural areas lead to stories being set being in _________
Urbanscapes
Years of rapid economic growth, rising prosperity for many people, and far-reaching social changes for the nation. Named for the new style of music and the pleasure-seeking mentality of society.
The Jazz Age, The Roaring 20's
Fabulously wealthy young man living in a Gothic mansion in West Egg. He is famous for the lavish parties he throws every Saturday night, but no one knows where he comes from, what he does, or how he made his fortune.
Jay Gatsby
Who was at the end of their dock when Nick returned from the Buchanan's. What were they reaching for?
Jay Gatsby, The Green light across the bay
Many modernist writers rely on __________ like symbolism and imagery to help the reader understand the writing, and to create a stronger connection between the text and the reader
Literary Devices
Name a minimum of 5 themes commonly found in Modernism text
Collectivism (group priority) vs. individualism
Disillusionment
Violence and alienation
Decadence (cultural decline because of overindulgence in luxuries) and decay
Loss and despair
Breakdown of social norms and cultural sureties (FLAPPERS! No alcohol anymore?)
Race and gender relations (Women’s right to vote)
Rejection of traditional themes
The American Dream (is it real for “everyone”?)