Historical and Cultural Connections – Modernism and Social Context

Modernism developed in response to the void and disillusionment left in the wake of World War I and the Great Depression. Realism no longer served the needs and purposes of the writer as Modernism rejected all the literary movements that came before it. It was now a time to experiment and find a new voice, a new culture, and a new dream in the aftermath of the upheaval of the early 20th century.

In this topic, you examined elements of Modernism within the movement's social and historical context, familiarized yourself with writers and artists of Modernism, and acquainted yourself with a novel from the Modernist era that will accompany you throughout the module. You also identified the connections between your selected novel and the Modernist movement and began to consider the novel's relationship to the American Dream.