MODERNISM AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

ELACC11-12RL9: Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.

EQ:What is the American Dream?

How does the American Dream relate to American literature?

On your paper…

When you think of America what do you most associate with our country?

What are some of the positive values, ideas, or qualities associated with America? List at least 5.

What are some of the negative problems, ideas, or issues associated with America? List at least 5.

How has America changed for the better and/or for the worse?

[The American dream is] “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.“--coined in 1931 by J.T. Adams in The Epic of America

The American Dream

Other definitions

The notion that the American social, economic, and political system makes success possible for every individual

The ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity traditionally held to be available to every American

A life of personal happiness and material comfort as traditionally sought by individuals in the U.S.

Three central ideas

“admiration for America as a new Eden, a land of beauty, bounty, and unlimited promise.”

“optimism” a belief in “progress…life keeps getting better and moving toward an era of prosperity, justice, and joy that always SEEMS just around the corner.”

“The importance and ultimate triumph of the individual—the independent, self-reliant person.”

Family Focus

Part of the American Dream is for your children to have a better life than you which will be then be passed down to future generations.

With your 2 0’clock partner, discuss for 2 minutes: How does this happen? What must one generation do to help the

next become “better off”? What must they earn, accumulate, or

accomplish to become “better off”?

How has the American Dream evolved? Puritans/Colonial period Revolutionary Period Romanticism/Transcendentalism Realism/Naturalism Modernism

http://www.online-stopwatch.com/

Modernism

1914-1945 An artistic movement that rejected

traditional forms and emphasize bold, new ways of expression

This time period is often associated with a loss of faith in traditional values and beliefs including the American Dream

Why???

What was going on 1914-1945? World War I: The Great War (US

joined in 1917) The Roaring Twenties The Great Depression The New Deal World War II

See timeline pages 692-701

The American Dream REVISED How do you define the American Dream

now? What might be some “required” evidence of

a life that meets the above descriptions? How has the American Dream changed? How has the American Dream remained the

same? What forces might shape it in the future?

Construct a 100 word response that answers these questions.