Wk 3 Discussion - Writings from Different Movements

Wk 3 Discussion - Writings from Different Movements

Respond to the following via MLA format:This week, we examine writings from different movements such as the Harlem Renaissance and Modernism, which represented new and bold voices in the early 20th century. Authors in these movements created works that unsettled and inspired readers with new rhythms, fresh imagery, and surprising themes. Shaking off the traditions and expectations of previous generations, they boldly faced a changing world.How do the themes of identity and memory appear in both Modernist work and writings of the Harlem Renaissance? How did these new voices energize or disturb the reader? How do the poems assigned for this week relate to earlier works you have read in the course? How do they relate to historically defining literary or political American texts?
Here are the reading/video materials:W. E. B. DuBois was the first African American to earn a PhD from Harvard University. He was an intellectual voice for the African American community through much of the 20th century. Zora Neale Hurston came a generation later and conducted extensive folkloric research. While these two voices share the same ethnicity, they have very different views on race and society.Read about the following authors from the University Library:• W. E. B. DuBois• Zora Neale Hurston
Some may say T. S. Eliot's influence on modernist poetry is profound. Some have also admitted his work is very challenging to read. Watch the following videos from the University Library, which may help understand his complex work:• "Dramatic Monologues in Eliot's Poetry"• "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"Reflect on the themes T. S. Eliot presents in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."
 
Several authors of the early 20th century, such as Robert Frost and Langston Hughes, lived very influential lives. These authors have many popular works, and even people who do not otherwise think of themselves as being interested in literature have often read or heard of these authors.Watch the following videos from the University Library to gain a sense of the popularity these authors had and perhaps help you understand why they were so influential:• "Scott Fitzgerald (1890-1940): An Overview of His Work"• "W.E.B. Dubois"• "Robert F. Frost at John F. Kennedy Inauguration"• "Langston Hughes"Reflect on the following:• Traditionally, literature is defined by a number of qualities. Among these are that a work of literature is especially well-written, and it produces emotion in the reader. Which of these works do you feel spoke to you personally? What was it about the selection that captured your emotion?