explain how the writing associated with the Lost Generation reflected the new emphasis on consumerism in American culture.

Question

In a paragraph, explain how the writing associated with the Lost Generation reflected the new emphasis on consumerism in American culture. Provide examples of Lost Generation authors and literary works.  

Answer 1

To understand how consumerism was reflected in the lost generation, you have to understand what each of these topics means. The lost generations refers to the group of individuals who came into early adulthood during the period of World War 1, the term lost is used because the survivors of the war, at least the ones who came back, were labeled "disorientated, wandering, and directionless" due to their difficulties integrating back into a society that had advanced and moved on while they were fighting.

In the post-World War 1 period, American consumerism boomed. People began spending more money than they had, leading to this drastic increase in consumption, which was accompanied by an increase in wages and job opportunities. In this post War period, people experienced a sense of elation at how this seemingly endless war was now finished, and these feelings led to an increase in materialistic behaviors and attitudes, and the devaluation of patriotism, courage, and faith. Two authors of the lost generation are F. Scott Fitzgerald ("The Great Gatsby") and John Steinback ("Of Mice and Men" and "The Grapes of Wrath").