What really is the Modernism Era? Well, to start the Modern Era of American Literature is in the time frame of 1914 – 1945. At the start of the Modern Era World War l had begun. There were hate wars going on, due to radical problems, with the Whites not liking African Americans. Women had fought for their rights and finally the Congress had passed the 19th Amendment on June 4, 1919, which gave women the right to vote. That led to the roaring 20’s. During this time clothing was more revealing, there was more jazz music being played which led to more risqué dancing. Art had a change. The stock market crashed and had caused the great depression. Which had been ended by World War ll. Mental illness becomes very well-known during the Modern Era. Birth control has started coming up and becoming more known. Talking about sex and talking about why people are straight and why are people gay. A few books written during this time are, “The Bell Jar” by Plath, the main idea is that they only want women to either work or to only be a mother but not both. Also, there is “Their Eyes Are Watching God” by Zora Hurston, in 1937, talking about a black, women, struggles and how black women are starting to get accepted in the world. Another book is “The Great Gatsby” written by Fitzgerald, in 1925, it is about exploring the American Dream. A short story “Curious Case of Benjamin Button” written by Fitzgerald, about a man who when he was born was old and as he got older he looked younger. Poems “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, in 1916. Another poem is “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes. The Modern Era had a lot to do with some major key parts in American history.
The Gossip Behind American Literature 