1. Modernism: The rejection of traditional Victorian values, literary styles, and moral codes. Writers experimented with new forms of expression and challenged conventional norms.
2. Urbanization: The rise of cities and the influx of people to urban centers was reflected in literature, portraying the fast pace of city life, its anonymity, and the sense of alienation.
3. Jazz Age Culture: The lively, hedonistic culture centered on jazz music and nightlife was reflected in literature, often characterized by themes of excess, pleasure-seeking, and a break from traditional social conventions.
4. Flappers and New Women: The emergence of independent, modern women, often called flappers, was a major theme in 1920s literature. These women challenged societal expectations and explored new personal freedoms.
5. Lost Generation: A term coined by Gertrude Stein to describe the post-World War I generation who felt disillusioned, disenchanted, and skeptical of traditional values and institutions.
6. Expatriation: Many American writers chose to live abroad, in places like Paris or the French Riviera, seeking artistic freedom and inspiration away from the perceived limitations of American society.
7. Social Criticism: Some writers used literature to critique social injustices and inequalities. Themes such as racism, poverty, class conflict, and labor issues were explored to raise awareness and provoke social change.
8. Stream of Consciousness: A literary technique that aimed to capture the inner thoughts and feelings of characters without the constraints of traditional narrative structures. This technique was widely adopted by modernist writers.
9. Harlem Renaissance: An important cultural and literary movement centered in the African-American community in Harlem, New York City. Writers such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay explored themes of identity, racial prejudice, and cultural pride.
10. Women's Suffrage and Feminism: The fight for women's rights gained momentum during the 1920s, and literature reflected this struggle, showcasing women's desire for equality and personal autonomy.
These themes shaped the literary landscape of the 1920s and left a lasting impact on American literature and culture.