Contemporary and Modernist Literature Overview

A collection of flashcards covering key authors, works, and themes from the Contemporary and Modernist periods in American literature.

Who was Eudora Welty and what themes did her works focus on?

Eudora Welty was a prose writer of the South known for grotesque characters and southern realism. Her works include 'A Curtain of Green' and 'A Worn Path.'

What is Ralph Ellison’s most famous work and what central theme does it explore?

Ralph Ellison is best known for 'Invisible Man,' which explores the theme of race and invisibility in society.

What literary contributions did Joseph Heller make, particularly with 'Catch-22'?

Joseph Heller is known for his satirical work 'Catch-22,' which addresses the absurdities of war and the contradictory dilemmas faced by soldiers.

Which novel by Harper Lee addresses racial injustice and through whose perspective is it told?

Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' addresses racial injustice through the perspective of Scout Finch.

What is the significance of Sylvia Plath in confessional poetry?

Sylvia Plath is notable for her confessional poetry, which often explores personal trauma and mental health, exemplified in works like 'The Bell Jar' and 'Daddy.'

What major themes are covered in Tennessee Williams' plays?

Tennessee Williams' plays often explore themes of deception, violence, and loneliness, notable in works like 'The Glass Menagerie' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire.'

Define 'Petrarchan sonnet' and its structure.

A Petrarchan sonnet consists of an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines) with a typical rhyme scheme of abba abba cde cde.

What does the term 'free verse' refer to in poetry?

Free verse refers to poetry that does not follow a meter or rhyme scheme, mimicking normal speech patterns.

What is the main conflict in 'A Farewell to Arms' by Ernest Hemingway?

In 'A Farewell to Arms,' the main conflict revolves around the love story between Frederick Henry and Catherine Barkley set against the backdrop of World War I.

Describe the genre of literature associated with John Steinbeck. What social themes does he explore?

John Steinbeck is associated with regionalist and epic literature, exploring themes of social justice, human condition, and the quest for fair labor conditions, as seen in 'The Grapes of Wrath.'