lecture recording on 26 February 2025 at 14.47.27 PM

Loss and the Lost Generation

• Concept of Loss: Discussion on the mental loss individuals feel, particularly after wars.

  • Young women did not typically die in the war, but they may feel lost.

  • Literature explores themes of feeling unmoored.

Key Literary Figures

• Gertrude Stein: Influential female author and financier of many artists and writers.

  • Coined the term "Lost Generation" reflecting the struggles of her male author friends post-war.

• Ernest Hemingway: Worked against fascism during the Spanish Civil War.

  • His writing often reflects loss and disillusionment.

• F. Scott Fitzgerald: Best known for "The Great Gatsby," which critiques the American Dream.

• Erich Maria Remarque: Author of "All Quiet on the Western Front," a poignant anti-war novel.

  • Told from the perspective of a German soldier and illustrates the horrors of war.

  • Ends tragically, showcasing the senselessness of conflict.

Themes in Literature

• Overall Themes: Many works from the Lost Generation reflect negative emotions and themes.

  • Hopelessness of the American Dream in "The Great Gatsby."

  • Hemingway's stories often focus on existential struggles.

• Depression and Departure from Traditional Values: Highlighting a shift towards darker themes post-war.

  • The emotional state of authors tends to reflect in their narratives.

Stream of Consciousness

• Definition: Literary technique aiming to replicate the flow of thoughts in the human mind.

  • Inspired by psychological theories, particularly from Freud.

• Key Characteristics:

  • Lack of punctuation, long sentences that mimic thought processes.

  • Focus on capturing memories and sensory experiences.

• Notable Authors:

  • James Joyce: Best known for "Ulysses," focusing on a single day in a man’s life via stream of consciousness.

  • Virginia Woolf & William Faulkner: Other notable authors utilizing this style, creating accessible works.

Philosophy and Religion

• Post-World War Reflections: Many turn towards religious despair and question the existence of God amidst human suffering.

  • Philosophers like Karl Barth highlight humanity's failings and the need for hope found in religion.

Visual Arts Movements

Abstraction

• Concept: Moving away from realistic representation in art; simplification of subjects.

  • Art from this period often reflects uncertainty and disillusionment.

• Techniques Used: Use of color, perspective, and shape manipulation.

  • Common emotional themes include insecurity and violence.

Expressionism

• Origins: Emerged in Germany, focusing on expressing strong emotions.

  • Influenced by artists like Edward Munch and Vincent van Gogh.

• Key Groups:

  • Die Brücke: Focused on breaking tradition and exploring new forms.

  • Der Blaue Reiter: Emphasized spirituality over representation.

• Impact of War on Expressionism: Artistic movements evolved with the trauma of World War I, promoting emotional and abstract works.

Abstract Expressionism

• Definition: A major form of modern art that is fully abstract.

  • Emphasizes emotions through colors and shapes without recognizable subjects.

Cubism

• Emerged pre-World War, gaining popularity post-war, challenging traditional perspectives in art.