EH 226 Final

Literary Realism (1865-1910)

A literary technique focused on representing everyday life and society highlighting the lives of ordinary people.

Literary Realism Example

Mark Twain's "TAoHF" exemplifies realism through its use of vernacular language and honest portrayal of life along the Mississippi River.

Naturalism (1890s-1920s)

Literary technique that emphasizes the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior, not just heredity, which was oftentimes seen as the primary indicator of someone's destiny at the time.

Naturalism Example

Willa Cather's "Paul's Case" demonstrates naturalism through its portrayal of Paul's inevitable downfall due to societal forces and his own psychological determinism.

Literary Modernism (1910-1960)

Philosophical and artistic movement that challenged people to rethink preconceptions of value and order in society. It can be intentionally difficult to understand.

Literary Modernism Example

T.S. Elliot's "The Waste Land" embodies modernism through its fragmented narrative, multiple voices, and complex symbolic imagery.

Harlem Renaissance (1919-1929)

A cultural, social, and artistic movement that took place in the 1920s, primarily in the Harlem neighborhood of NYC. It celebrated African American culture and aimed to redefine how Black identity was viewed in America.

Harlem Renaissance Example

Langston Hughes's "The Weary Blues" represents this movement through its celebration of African American culture and incorporation of jazz rhythms.

Dudley Randall

Important African American poet, activist, and runner of a major press or publisher in Detroit specializing in African American literature that was key to the Black Arts Movement.

Dudley Randall Example

Ballad of Birmingham

Toni Morrison

Important African American author of over 20 books, including novels, plays, and essays. Femenist, devoted to showing how complicated racial identity of all types or categories in America has always been throughout our nation's history.

Toni Morrison Example

Recitatif

Julie Otsuka

Contemporary, living Japanese-American author of fiction about Japanese-American history and culture.

Julie Otsuka Example

When the Emperor was Divine

Carmen Maria Machado

Latina writer of short stories that blend fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and reality.

Carmen Maria Machado Example

The Husband Stitch

What years did the Vietnam War take place?

1955-1975

How many U.S. soldiers were killed in the Vietnam War?

60,000

How many U.S. soldiers were wounded in the Vietnam War?

150,000

How many total people were killed or wounded in the Vietnam War, including civilians?

Millions

What was significant about U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War?

It was the 1st U.S. involvement in a global conflict that was widely unpopular.

What were some responses to the Vietnam War in the U.S.?

Draft dodging and protests.

What mobilized the Youth Counter Culture?

The Vietnam War.

What are common stereotypes associated with the Youth Counter Culture?

Peace, love, sex, drug.

What cultural movement is associated with the Youth Counter Culture?

The sexual revolution.

What genre of music is often linked to the Youth Counter Culture?

Rock 'n' roll.

What social phenomenon describes the differences between generations during the Youth Counter Culture?

Generation gap.

What was the Civil Rights Movement associated with?

Anti-war protests and other rapid societal changes.

Which groups were involved in the Civil Rights Movement?

African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, women, and LGBTQ+.

What were the outcomes of the Civil Rights Movement?

Massive legal, political, social, and societal changes.

What event is referred to in the 'Ballad of Birmingham'?

Birmingham, AL church bombing

On what date did the Birmingham church bombing occur?

September 15, 1963

How many little girls were killed in the Birmingham church bombing?

4 little girls

What inspired many writers to address tensions around race and gender in the 1950s and 1960s?

Major public acts of violence like the Birmingham church bombing

Postmodernism (1970-present)

A literary movement characterized by skepticism toward grand narratives, questioning of truth and reality, and experimental narrative techniques.

Postmodernism Example

Toni Morrison's "Recitatif" exemplifies postmodernism through its deliberate ambiguity about characters' races and questioning of racial identity.