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Shivaji University, Kolhapur HI SHIVAJI UNIVERSITY, KOLHAPUR CENTRE FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION (Elective Group 4 : Paper-VII) 20th Century American Literature For M. A. Part-II KJ Copyright © Registrar, Shivaji University, Kolhapur. (Maharashtra) First Edition 2011 Prescribed for M. A. Part-II All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form by mimeography or any other means without permission in writing from the Shivaji University, Kolhapur (MS) Copies : 2,000 Published by: Dr. D. V. Muley Registrar, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416 004. Printed by : Shri. Mandar Bhostekar, Superintendent, Shivaji University Press, Kolhapur-416 004 Kolhapur. ISBN- 978-81-8486-417-5 # Further information about the Centre for Distance Education & Shivaji University may be obtained from the University Office at Vidyanagar, Kolhapur-416 004, India. # This material has been produced with the Developmental Grant from DEC-IGNOU, New Delhi. (ii) Centre for Distance Education Shivaji University, Kolhapur I ADVISORY COMMITTEE I Prof. (Dr.) N. J. Pawar Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Rangappa Vice-Chancellor, Hon. Vice-Chancellor, Karnataka State Open Shivaji University, Kolhapur University, Mansagangotri, Mysore Prof. (Dr.) R. Krishna Kumar Prof. V. Venkaih Hon. Vice-Chancellor, Yashwantrao Chavan Director, Academic Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Maharashtra Open University, Dnyangangotri, Open University Rd. No. 46, Jubilee Hill, Near Gangapur Dam, Nasik Hyderabad-33 Andhrapradesh Dr. A. P. Gavali Dr. J. S. Patil Dean, Faculty of Arts, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Shivaji University, Kolhapur Shivaji University, Kolhapur Dr. C. J. Khilare Dr. R. G. Phadatare Dean, Faculty of Science, Dean, Faculty of Commerce, Shivaji University, Kolhapur Shivaji University, Kolhapur Prof. (Dr.) A. B. Rajge Prof. (Dr.) D. V. Muley Director, B.C.U.D., Registrar, Shivaji University, Kolhapur Shivaji University, Kolhapur Dr. B. M. Hirdekar Shri. B. S. Patil, Controller of Examination Finance and Accounts Officer, Shivaji University, Kolhapur Shivaji University, Kolhapur Prof. (Dr.) A. N. Joshi Prof. Dr. (Smt.) Cima Yeole Vaishnavi Appartments, Flat No. 8, Shrirang (Member Secretary) nagar, Near Pumping Station, Director, Centre for Distance Education, Near Gangapur Dam, Nasik Shivaji University, Kolhapur. I B. O. S. MEMBERS OF ENGLISH I Chairman- Dr. M. G. Kadam Sadguru Gadge Maharaj College, Karad, Dist. Satara G Prof. (Dr.) P. A. Attar G Dr. P. M. Patil Head, Dept. of English, Arts, Commerce & Science College, Shivaji University, Kolhapur Palus, Dist. Sangli G Dr. S. B. Bhambar G Dr. N. R. Sawant 'Yashodhan', 2nd Lane, Ayodhya Nagar, Shivraj College of Arts, Commerce & Gadhinglaj, Dist. Kolhapur D. S. Kadam Science College, Gadhinglaj, Dist. Kolhapur. G Dr. S. R. Ghatge Kakasaheb Chavan College, Talmavale, G Dr. S. R. Sawant Tal. Patan, Dist. Satara Kisanveer Mahavidyalaya, Wai, G Dr. S. I. Noorani Dist. Satara Dattajirao Kadam Arts, Commerce & G Dr. R. P. Lokhande Science College, Shivajinagar, Rajarshi Shahu College, Kolhapur. Ichalkaranji, Dist. Kolhapur (iii) Centre for Distance Education 20th Century American Literature Shivaji University, M. A. Part-II English Optional Paper-7 Kolhapur. Writing Team Author’s Name Unit No Dr. I. R. Draxi 1 (A & B) Regional Co-ordinator, 2 (A & B) Centre for Distance Education, Shivaji University, Kolhapur Dr. G. S. Mhangore 3 Karmveer Hire Mahavidyalaya, Gargoti. Dr. P. B. Patil 4 Shri Shiv-Shahu Mahavidyalaya, Sarud Prof. R. S. Ponde 5 (B) Willingdon College, Sangli 2 (C) Dr. D. Y. Jamadar 6 Vishwasrao Naik Mahavidyalaya, Shirala, Dist. Sangli Dr. M. L. Jadhav 7 Department of English, 5 (A) Shivaji University, Kolhapur Dr. G. B. Kalyanshetti 8 Department of English, Shivaji University, Kolhapur I Editors I Dr. I. R. Draxi Dr. M. G. Kadam Regional Co-ordinator, Chairman, B.O.S. in English Centre for Distance Education, Shivaji University, Kolhapur Shivaji University, Kolhapur S. G. M. College, Karad Smt. K. W. College, Sangli. (iv) Preface Dear Learner, 20th Century American Literature is an optional paper No. VII (Elective Group 4, American Literature : Paper-VII) at M. A. Part-II. The Syllabus contains - five general topics; four novels; four plays; and three poets. The general topics throw light on the prevailing social conditions and their reflection on literature. To understand the movelists and the playwrights, one has to go through the general topics like.The American Dream or Expressionism. The remaining topics are - four novels, four dramas and twelve poems of the three poets - Robert Frost, Wallace Stevens and Anne Sexton. All these topics are covered in the book. The learners have to read and refer to a number of books, given at the end of each chapter. It is rather difficult for the distant learners to get all these books and understand on their own without the help of a teacher. Realizing the problem of the distant learners, Shivaji University has undertaken the responsibility of preparing 'Self Instructional Material' in most of the subjects. This book is also prepared keeping in mind the needs, difficulties and problems of the distant learners. Each unit in this book begins with the objectives followed by an introduction of the topic. It is divided into sections as per the syllabus, so that the students will feel comfortable when they go through it. There are comprehensive questions given under the heading "Check Your Progress" which will enable them to self- evaluate their understanding of the topic. The answers to these questions are given at the end of the unit. The learners will find the book easy to understand because the language used in it is simple. The difficult words are glossed. The list of reference books is also provided under each unit for additional reading. The exercises will definitely (v) help them to prepare well for the examination. The editors have been fortunate to receive encouragement, guidance and co- operation from many people in accomplishing this great task. We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all who contributed to the making of this book. Editors (vi) 20th Century American Literature M. A. Part-II English Optional Paper-7 CONTENTS 1. A) Expressionism 1 B) Naturalism 11 2. A) The American Dream 20 B) The Lost Generation 29 C) The Southern Reanissance 35 3. A) The old man and the sea - E. Hemingway 44 B) A New Life - B. Malamud 60 4. A) Light in August - W. Faulkner 73 B) Slaughter House- Five K. Vonnegut 98 5. A) All My Sons - Arthur Miller 126 B) The Hairy Ape - Eugene O'Neill 164 6. A) The BigKnife - Clifford Odets 187 B) American Buffalo - David Mamet 212 7. Poetry of Robert Frost 231 8. Poetry of Wallace Stevens and Anne Sexton 267 (vii) Each Unit begins with the section Objectives - Objectives are directive and indicative of : 1. What has been presented in the Unit and 2. What is expected from you 3. What you are expected to know pertaining to the specific Unit once you have completed working on the Unit. The self check exercises with possible answers will help you to understand the Unit in the right perspective. Go through the possible answer only after you write your answers. These exercises are not to be submitted to us for evaluation. They have been provided to you as Study Tools to help keep you in the right track as you study the Unit. (viii) Unit-1 (A) EXPRESSIONISM Index 1.1 Objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Expressionism 1.3.1 Self Assessment Questions 1.4 Model Answers of Self – Assessment Questions 1.5 Summary 1.6 Exercises 1.6.1 Broad Questions with Answers 1.7 Activities / field work 1.8 Further Reading 1.1 Objectives: After studying this unit, you will be able: G to know what is Expressionism G to know what are the main characteristics of Expressionism G to know how expressionism being used as a dramatic technique G to examine the playas such as The Hairy Ape in the light of expressionistic technique G to know expressionism is used not only in drama but also other forms of art such as painting, etc. 1.2 Introduction : Students of 19 th century American Literature (M.A. Part I ) studied four literary movements, namely, Puritanism, Transcendentalism, The Frontier and the Adamic 1 M. A. Part-II English : 20 th Century American Literature…1 myth. You have also seen how these literary movements have profoundly influenced 19 th century American literature. You are aware of the fact that literature and the social milieu have close relations. In M.A. Part II, you have different literary movements, such as Expressionism, Naturalism, the Lost Generation, the American Dream, and Southern Renaissance. Literature tends to reflect the dominant tendencies of its era. Unless you understand The Lost Generation movement, it is difficult to study the novels. Unless you understand Expressionism,it is difficult to understand a play like The Hairy Ape . Samuel Johnson has rightly observed; “To know a work of art, you transport to that age.” The students of American literature should note that the conditions prevailing in that particular age would not only affect but also shape the literary work. The influence of the American Dream can be traced in the plays of Arthur Miller ( All My Sons ) Clifford Odets ( The Big Knife ) Naturalism, Expressionism, the Lost Generation, The American Dream and Southern Renaissance reflect the tendencies of the age. With this perspective at the back of mind, let us see these general topics what the role they have played in shaping American literature. 1.3 Expressionism 1.3.1 Self Assessment Questions (a) Answer the following questions in one word / phrase / sentence each: 1. What do you mean by expressionism ? 2. Who are the popular American dramatists used expressionism as dramatic technique in their plays ? 3. Who wrote The Adding Machine ? 4. In what play does Willy Lowman appear ? 5.
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