Essay on Impact of World War One on American Literature

The Impact of World War One on American Literature As people mature, their beliefs evolve; as a child it is easy to be guided by adults, to believe in adults. As adults, people have their own beliefs. It is the period in the middle that is the hardest. As children begin to grow, they begin to push limits and question authority. The modernist period in American literature is comparable to those teenage years. In the early stages of American literature, America looked to her mother England for guidance. The very traditional literature that resulted had a strong emphasis on religion, family, and country. In early literature it was scandalous to question God; the family was only to be portrayed as a supportive, loving community; and†¦show more content†¦The young man, George Gearson, is unsure about enlisting, for he is more of an intellectual type than he is a soldier looking for a fight. Georges fiancà ©e is Editha, who in her innocent ignorance cannot see why George even has to question enlisting. Editha sees war as a chance for George to be a hero and thereby become worthy of her and her love. She threatens to break their engagement because of Georges reluctance to serve his country. She writes George a letter telling him, There is no greater honor above America with me. In this great hour there is no other honor (365). These sentiments sound ridiculous, but it is actually an accurate depiction of the state of mind of many young Americans in this era. Going to war for America was believed to be their duty, and it was an honor to do their duty. When America called on her young men once again to go to Europe and fight in the trenches of World War I, they went. Americas decision to join a war on foreign soil that was already in progress was highly questionable. Many people attributed Americas involvement in the war with the sinking of the passenger liner Lusitania, but even more attributed the decision to economic reasons, like Senator George Norris, who said, We are going to war upon the command of Gold (931). American soldiers and sailors did not know whyShow MoreRelatedThe Modern Era And Its Impact On The World1086 Words   |  5 Pagesmovement that has a lasting impact on the world. The Romantic period provoked everyone to rebellion and two of the greatest revolutions, the American and French, were an outcome of that period. Thus, the Modern period was born when the Romantics faded out and this shift in culture changed the world forever. Modernism changed the way people lived in a number of different reasons, but there a re three that stood out from the rest. 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