Lost Generation

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Lost Generation

The Lost Generation refers to the cohort of individuals who came of age during World War I. This term is often attributed to the disillusionment and existential angst experienced by this generation, which was characterized by a sense of moral loss and aimlessness following the war. The phrase "Lost Generation" is commonly associated with a group of American writers who were living in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s.

Origin of the Term

The term "Lost Generation" is believed to have been coined by Gertrude Stein, an influential American writer and art collector. The phrase was popularized by Ernest Hemingway in the epigraph of his novel The Sun Also Rises, where he quotes Stein as saying, "You are all a lost generation."

Characteristics

Members of the Lost Generation were marked by their experiences during and after World War I. The war had a profound impact on their worldview, leading to a sense of disillusionment with traditional values and norms. This generation often expressed their discontent through literature, art, and other forms of cultural expression.

Notable Figures

Several prominent writers and artists are associated with the Lost Generation, including:

• Ernest Hemingway
• F. Scott Fitzgerald
• T. S. Eliot
• Ezra Pound
• John Dos Passos
• Gertrude Stein

These individuals were known for their innovative literary techniques and their exploration of themes such as existential despair, the futility of war, and the search for meaning in a post-war world.

Literary Contributions

The Lost Generation made significant contributions to literature, particularly in the form of novels, poetry, and essays. Some of the most notable works include:

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
• The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot
• A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

These works often reflect the inner turmoil and existential questions faced by the Lost Generation, capturing the essence of their disillusionment and search for purpose.

Cultural Impact

The influence of the Lost Generation extends beyond literature. Their works have had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of writers and artists, shaping modernist literature and contributing to the broader cultural movement of the early 20th century. The themes explored by the Lost Generation continue to resonate with readers and scholars, making their contributions an enduring part of literary history.

Related Pages

• World War I
• Modernist literature
• Paris in the 1920s
• American expatriates in Europe
• Gertrude Stein
• Ernest Hemingway
• F. Scott Fitzgerald
• T. S. Eliot