In English 11 you have studied literature from the 1920s through the 1980s and learned about how American society changed over that time period.
Write an essay about how the literature of America has changed over time, as seen in this semester's readings. Use these four pieces of literature "About Russell", "The Great Gatsby", "Babylon revisited", and " The Struggle to Be an All- American Girl". Use them to show how literature reflects history, as well as how literature reflects changes or events throughout history. Be sure to include a brief summary of the historical time periods for each piece. Consider elements such as theme, style, and tone in your analysis.
Throughout the history of American literature, there have been significant changes in style, content, and perspective. This semester, we have studied works from the 1920s through the 1980s, which have illustrated how the literature of America has evolved over time. In this essay, I will analyze "About Russell," "The Great Gatsby," "Babylon revisited," and "The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl," to demonstrate how literature reflects history and changes in the society.
"About Russell," written in 1929 by John Steinbeck, is a short story that depicts the hardships during the Great Depression. The story portrays Russell, a young boy who has lost both his parents, and his struggles to find a new family. Steinbeck's style is straightforward and raw as he portrays the despair of the time. The story reflects the loss of hope and the suffering of the American people during an economically challenging period.
"The Great Gatsby," written in 1925 by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a novel that portrays the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity in the United States. The novel is a commentary on the excessive materialism and moral decay that characterized this era. Fitzgerald's style is poetic and lyrical, a reflection of the extravagant nature of the time. The story illustrates how the pursuit of wealth and pleasure leads to emptiness and broken dreams.
"Babylon Revisited," written in 1931 by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a short story that portrays the aftermath of the Great Depression. The story is set in Paris and depicts the life of a man trying to recover from his past mistakes. Fitzgerald's style is introspective and reflective as he portrays the struggle of redemption and the quest for meaning after losing everything. The story reflects the sorrow and resilience of the American people during an economically devastating period.
"The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl," written in 1985 by Elizabeth Wong, is a short story that portrays the struggles of Chinese immigrants to assimilate into American culture. The story is set in the 1950s, during the Cold War era, and depicts the tension between the East and the West. Wong's style is humorous and lighthearted as she portrays the clash of cultures and the complexities of identity. The story reflects the changing demographics of the American society and the struggles of the immigrant experience.
In conclusion, the literature of America has changed significantly over time, reflecting the historical events, social changes, and cultural evolution. The stories we have studied this semester, "About Russell," "The Great Gatsby," "Babylon revisited," and "The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl," are examples of how literature reflects changes in the society. They provide insight into the themes, styles, and tones that characterize different time periods, illustrating how literature mirrors history.
Title: Evolution of American Literature: Reflecting History and Society
Introduction:
The literature of America has seen dynamic transformations throughout the 1920s to the 1980s, showcasing the changing face of American society. Through a comprehensive analysis of "About Russell," "The Great Gatsby," "Babylon Revisited," and "The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl," this essay will delve into how literature reflects history and its significant events over time. By considering the elements of theme, style, and tone, this analysis will examine the ever-evolving nature of American literature and its close connection with the societal changes it reflects.
I. "About Russell"
- Historical Period: The 1920s
- Summary: "About Russell" by Willa Cather explores the emptiness and dissatisfaction that the middle class felt during the Roaring Twenties. The story captures the materialistic obsession of the time, where individuals sought fulfillment in wealth and possessions.
- Themes: Materialism, disillusionment, and the search for meaning.
- Literary Style and Tone: Reflective and disillusioned, with a critique of the superficiality of society.
II. "The Great Gatsby"
- Historical Period: The 1920s, Jazz Age
- Summary: F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" delves into the extravagant lives of the wealthy and the pursuit of the American Dream. Against the backdrop of the Prohibition era, Jay Gatsby's quest for love and wealth reflects the emptiness and moral decay prevalent in upper-class society.
- Themes: The illusion of the American Dream, disillusionment, the corrupting influence of wealth and materialism.
- Literary Style and Tone: Lavish, melancholic, and nostalgic, with an underlying critique of the superficiality and moral decay of the era.
III. "Babylon Revisited"
- Historical Period: The 1930s, Great Depression
- Summary: F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Babylon Revisited" follows Charlie Wales, a former partygoer and transformed family man, as he attempts to regain custody of his daughter amidst the challenges of the Great Depression. The story reflects the aftermath of the Roaring Twenties, with the central character's search for redemption and his realization of the consequences of past actions.
- Themes: Redemption, responsibility, the consequences of the excesses of the past.
- Literary Style and Tone: Reflective, regretful, and melancholic, portraying the harsh reality and the need for personal reflection and growth during a time of economic turmoil.
IV. "The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl"
- Historical Period: 1980s, Cold War Era
- Summary: Elizabeth Wong's "The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl" explores the author's experience of being caught between her Chinese heritage and American identity during the Cold War era. Wong's struggle to reconcile both cultures highlights the racial tensions and the desire to fit into the American society while embracing her ancestral roots.
- Themes: Cultural identity, assimilation, racial divide.
- Literary Style and Tone: Personal, introspective, and thought-provoking, emphasizing the complexities of identity in a diverse society.
Conclusion:
The literature of America, as exemplified by "About Russell," "The Great Gatsby," "Babylon Revisited," and "The Struggle to Be an All-American Girl," mirrors the society's changing landscape from the radical materialism of the Roaring Twenties to the struggles of the Great Depression and the difficulties of cultural identity in the Cold War era. Through the use of theme, style, and tone, these literary works act as a mirror, reflecting history and the societal shifts witnessed throughout the 1920s to the 1980s. They shed light on the triumphs, challenges, and complexities of American society, thereby ensuring the continual evolution of American literature for generations to come.