Kushed941

This essay begins by talking about the origins of modernism. Modernism refers to a period that ended in the late 1930’s to early 1940’s; the term was first used in Germany. Modernism is based on the idea that works of art represent a rupture, a break with the past. Modernism is the result of the general transformation of society caused by industrialism and technology during the 19^th century. After it describes modernism in Europe it then begins to describe American modernism. The essay says that it is important to notice a major contrast: while for the European modernists, art represented a dynamic engagement with historical change, for most American modernists, art was seen as a continuous effort to develop the individual character of the artist and his artistic identity. American modernists were more in continuity with their mid-19^th century predecessors. Writing at a remove from society, their art was less obsessed by experimental innovations or social change. For most American modernists, developing an individual character and a literary voice was an act of self-marginalization from society. In this essay it says that Henry James is the first modernist author. The author Williams Carlos Williams who wrote the book In the American Grain is another modernist. Here is a quote by Bill Bird who is a French publisher that Williams met, ‘’ Americans are the greatest businessmen in the world: the only ones who understand the passion of making money: absorbed enthralled in it. It’s a game. To me it is because we fear to wake up that we play so well. Imagine stopping money making. Our whole conception of reality would have to be altered.” I totally agree with him that entire quote is true about America; our country thrives off of money. The rest of this essay goes off to name other modernist authors and give information about them.