The time between World War I and World War II was a turning point for the United States.  Aside from the devastation caused from the war, the U.S.A became a modern nation.  People began to look at life different and American literature in these decades registers all side of the eras struggles and debates, while sharing a commitment to explore the many meanings of modernity and express them in forms appropriate to a modern vision.  Many writers were ecstatic due to this change in literature, however, others were not as pleased.  Some felt that civilization was collapsing and that was the reason for this shift.  Other writers were very inspired by this drastic change and loved the idea of being able to create something so new and different. 

This time between the wars is considered American literary modernism.  During this time, many conflicts arose about the change in literature but eventually this change was for the good.  A majority of society believed the traditional form of writing would not work for new times but they later were proved wrong.

In the following sections, you will find short biographies and excerpts of Sherwood Anderson, John Dos Passos, Katherine Anne Porter and John Steinbeck.  After reading through 2 of the 4 authors, briefly compare and/or contrast the writers styles.  Log onto blackboard, go to the discussion board and respond to the thread Modern Fiction. Please click the author links to the left.  Due Monday April 26, 2004.