43cd12b1-4be7-4d36-908c-821a460cd286.pptx

# Introduction to the modern novel and its historical context The modern novel is a literary period from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, characterized by experimentation and reflection of societal upheaval. ## 1. Introduction to the modern novel and its historical context ### 1.1 Defining the modern novel The modern English and American novel typically spans the period from the 1890s to the 1940s or 1950s. Following this era, the postmodern novel period begins. Key authors associated with the modern novel include Joseph Conrad, Marcel Proust, Franz Kafka, and Ernest Hemingway. These writers shared literary characteristics that mirrored the instability of the contemporary world, leading them to experiment with form, style, and narrative techniques. ### 1.2 Societal influences and context The modern novel emerged as a response to profound societal changes, including: * Industrialization * Urbanization * World War I (1914-1918) * World War II (1939-1945) * Shifting social norms ### 1.3 Modernism as a literary movement Modernism, a significant literary movement, roughly spans from the early 20th century to 1965. It represents a deliberate departure from tradition, often seen as a reaction against 19th-century Victorian culture. The movement was deeply impacted by the shock and disillusionment of the two World Wars, which prompted a fundamental questioning of reality. #### 1.3.1 Key characteristics of Modernism * **Focus on the inner self and consciousness:** In contrast to earlier movements like Romanticism, Modernism prioritized an exploration of individual psychology and internal experience. * **Alienation of the individual:** Modern society was perceived as impersonal and increasingly dominated by capitalist structures, leading to a sense of individual isolation. * **Diversification of voices:** The period saw the emergence of a broader range of literary perspectives, including those of African-Americans (e.g., Langston Hughes) and women (e.g., Hilda Doolittle). * **Experimentation in fiction:** Modern fiction is defined by its exploration of new techniques, theories, and language. This included experimentation with form and genre, exemplified by T. S. Eliot's poem "The Waste Land." * **Use of the unreliable narrator:** A departure from the omniscient narrator, Modernist fiction often employed unreliable narrators, contributing to narrative techniques like the "stream of consciousness." * **Questioning of truth and reality:** Modernist writers were preoccupied with the fundamental nature of truth and reality. * **Enduring influence:** While Modernism's influence extended beyond its formal lifespan, it eventually waned due to reactions against its perceived cynicism and alienation. ### 1.4 Themes and characteristics of the modern novel Modern novels often engage with the challenges and complexities of modernity, including: * Technological advancements * Social disorder * Psychological mysteries * Patterns of change #### 1.4.1 Character-driven narratives A key shift in the modern novel is the focus on characters and the intricacies of their development, rather than on plot progression. Emphasis is placed on the characters' thoughts and feelings, often conveyed through techniques such as: * **Stream-of-consciousness narrative:** This technique attempts to represent the flow of a character's thoughts and feelings. > **Example:** "The clock ticks too loudly, or maybe it’s my heart, no, the clock, because I remember Mother winding it last night, her fingers trembling—why did she tremble? Tea spilled on the table, I should’ve cleaned it, now the stain is there, brown like the garden soil after the rain." * **Interior monologue:** This allows readers direct access to a character's inner thoughts. * **Abandonment of the omniscient narrator:** The traditional all-knowing narrator is often replaced. #### 1.4.2 Complex characters and simple plots Modern novels frequently feature complex characters and relatively straightforward plots. The characters themselves are often: * **Anti-heroes:** These characters are typically weak, passive, easily overwhelmed by their environment, and prone to feelings of alienation and estrangement. * **Struggling individuals:** Characters often grapple with internal conflicts or challenging situations. #### 1.4.3 Subjective representation of the world The modern novel tends towards a subjective portrayal of reality. As noted, "Perfect heroes, artificial plots, false endings, and excessive detail were banished from the modern novel." ### 1.5 Modern Realism vs. 19th-Century Realism While modern novels can be described as realistic fiction presenting a clear image of the world, they differ significantly from 19th-century Realism. #### 1.5.1 19th-Century Realism This style, exemplified by Charles Dickens, grounds readers in the concrete social world, focusing on elements like class struggles and character development within a defined social milieu. For instance, Dickens's novels often explore Pip's growth within the social landscape. #### 1.5.2 Modernist Realism In contrast, Modernist Realism, as seen in the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, tends to dissolve the social world into symbols and subjective impressions. Examples include the symbolic significance of "the green light" and Gatsby's dream, filtered through Nick's fragmented perspective. ### 1.6 Post-World War I disillusionment Following World War I, many writers across Europe and America experienced profound disillusionment with: * Traditional values * Social institutions * Artistic forms (leading to a rejection of Victorian values) This disillusionment manifested as a shift away from certainty, order, and tradition towards fragmentation, alienation, and experimentation. The unprecedented destruction wrought by mechanized warfare eroded faith in progress, religion, and morality, extending to a loss of faith in traditional narrative forms. Themes of alienation and loss became prevalent, with characters often depicted as purposeless and isolated. Modern society, particularly industrialization and materialism, was criticized as a driving force behind the war and a source of meaninglessness. ### 1.7 The Roaring Twenties This decade, following World War I, was marked by dramatic social and cultural shifts in the U.S. and parts of Europe. It was characterized by prosperity, cultural innovation, and social liberation, yet also by moral questioning and underlying disillusionment. #### 1.7.1 Key features of the Roaring Twenties 1. **Economic Boom:** Rapid industrial growth, mass production (cars, radios), and the rise of consumer culture characterized this period. Stock market speculation fueled a sense of prosperity, which ultimately collapsed with the 1929 market crash and the ensuing Great Depression of the 1930s. 2. **Social Change:** * **The "Jazz Age":** Jazz music, nightclubs, and dance crazes became symbols of newfound freedom, originating in African American communities. The music's fast rhythms and improvisational nature mirrored the era's spirit. * **The Rise of the "Flappers":** Young women challenged traditional norms through their fashion, behavior, and pursuit of independence. Flappers embraced an energetic lifestyle, pushing boundaries in economic, political, and sexual freedom, and are now seen as an early generation of independent American women. 3. **Cultural Innovation:** * Modernist literature flourished with prominent writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Langston Hughes. * Cinema emerged as a major art form, with silent films gaining popularity. * The Harlem Renaissance celebrated African American art, music, and literature. 4. **Prohibition in the U.S.:** The ban on alcohol led to the proliferation of speakeasies, bootlegging, and the rise of organized crime. ### 1.8 The American Dream The concept of the American Dream, originating from self-made success stories and immigrant aspirations, portrays America as a "promised land" of opportunities. It embodies the belief that any individual, regardless of background, can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work and by relying on their own powers and potential. However, 20th-century writers began to critically examine and question this ideal, exposing its corruption by materialism. --- # Modernism as a literary movement Modernism as a literary movement represents a profound break from artistic traditions, characterized by experimentation, a focus on individual consciousness, and a response to the societal upheavals of the early 20th century. ### 2.1 Defining Modernism Modernism emerged as a literary movement around the turn of the 20th century and continued until approximately 1965. It signifies a deliberate departure from established traditions, functioning as a reaction against the prevailing Victorian culture of the 19th century. A significant catalyst for this movement was the profound shock and questioning of reality brought about by the two World Wars. ### 2.2 Core Characteristics and Preoccupations The core of Modernism lies in its exploration and thematic concerns: * **Preoccupation with the inner self and consciousness:** Unlike earlier movements that might have focused externally, Modernism delves deeply into the individual's internal world, thoughts, and feelings. * **Alienation of the individual:** A central theme is the sense of isolation and estrangement experienced by individuals within an increasingly impersonal and capitalist modern society. * **Experimentation with form and narrative:** Modernist writers actively experimented with literary techniques, styles, and structures. This included: * **Innovation in form and genre:** Examples include groundbreaking poetry that challenged traditional structures. * **Use of the unreliable narrator:** Moving away from the traditional omniscient narrator, Modernism embraced narrators whose perspectives might be biased, limited, or even deceptive. * **Stream of consciousness:** This technique sought to replicate the flow of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of a character, often abandoning conventional chronological order and logical progression. * **Interior monologue:** Similar to stream of consciousness, this focuses on the character's internal thoughts as they occur. > **Tip:** Understanding the shift from omniscient narration to unreliable narrators and stream of consciousness is crucial for grasping the experimental nature of Modernist fiction. ### 2.3 The Impact of World Wars The World Wars (1914-1918 and 1939-1945) were pivotal in shaping Modernist sensibilities. The unprecedented destruction and societal upheaval led to: * **Questioning of reality:** The wars forced a re-evaluation of fundamental truths and the nature of reality itself. * **Post-war disillusionment:** A pervasive sense of disillusionment with traditional values, social institutions, and artistic conventions became widespread. * **Loss of faith:** There was a decline in faith in progress, religion, and established morality due to the horrors of mechanized warfare. * **Fragmentation and alienation:** The focus shifted from certainty and order to themes of fragmentation, alienation, and a feeling of purposelessness among characters. * **Criticism of modernity:** Industrialization and materialism were often criticized as forces that contributed to societal decay and a lack of meaning. ### 2.4 The Roaring Twenties and its Influence The period known as the Roaring Twenties (following WWI) was a time of dramatic social and cultural change, marked by economic boom, social liberation, and cultural innovation, but also by underlying moral questioning and disillusionment. * **Economic Boom:** Rapid industrial growth, mass production, and consumer culture created a sense of prosperity, though this was ultimately shattered by the 1929 stock market crash. * **Social Change:** The "Jazz Age" symbolized freedom with its music, nightclubs, and dance crazes. The emergence of "flappers" represented young women rejecting traditional norms, pushing for greater independence in fashion, behavior, and social roles. * **Cultural Innovation:** This era saw the flourishing of Modernist literature, the rise of cinema as a major art form, and the celebration of African American culture through movements like the Harlem Renaissance. * **Prohibition in the U.S.:** The ban on alcohol led to the rise of illegal activities such as speakeasies and bootlegging, contributing to a sense of social disorder. ### 2.5 Modernist Fiction vs. 19th-Century Realism Modernist fiction, while often described as realistic, differs significantly from 19th-century Realism: * **19th-Century Realism:** Focused on grounding the reader in the concrete social world, depicting social structures, class struggles, and character development within a defined societal context (e.g., Dickens). * **Modernist Realism:** Tended to dissolve the social world into subjective impressions, symbols, and fragmented perspectives. The emphasis shifted from objective social depiction to the internal, psychological experience of characters. > **Example:** A 19th-century realist novel might meticulously describe the physical details of a courtroom and the legal proceedings. A Modernist novel might instead focus on the defendant's internal turmoil, their subjective perception of the judge and jury, and the chaotic flow of their thoughts during the trial, even if the plot of the trial itself is secondary. ### 2.6 Key Characteristics of Modern Novels Modern novels are characterized by a complex interplay of elements: * **Focus on character complexity over plot:** The internal lives, thoughts, and feelings of characters take precedence over intricate plot development. * **Subjective representation of the world:** The narrative reflects a personal, often fragmented, and individualistic view of reality. * **Abandonment of traditional narrative conventions:** "Perfect heroes, artificial plots, false endings, and excessive detail were banished." * **Complex characters:** Characters are often depicted with psychological depth, struggling with internal conflicts or their environment. * **Anti-heroes:** Modernist protagonists frequently embody traits such as weakness, passivity, alienation, and an inability to overcome their circumstances. > **Tip:** When analyzing Modernist literature, pay close attention to the internal monologues and subjective perceptions of characters, as these are central to understanding the movement's ethos. --- # Characteristics of modern novels The modern novel, generally spanning the late 19th century through the mid-20th century (roughly 1890s to 1940s/1950s), is characterized by significant experimentation in form, style, and narrative techniques, reflecting the societal shifts and unstable world of its time. ### 3.1 Modernism and its influence Modernism, a literary movement from the early 20th century until approximately 1965, marked a deliberate break from tradition. It emerged as a reaction against Victorian culture and was deeply influenced by the shock and disillusionment of World War I and World War II. These global conflicts prompted a profound questioning of reality, leading to a focus on the inner self, consciousness, and the alienation experienced by individuals in an impersonal, capitalist society. Modern fiction specifically embraces experimentation with new techniques, theories, and language, moving away from traditional narrative structures. > **Tip:** Understanding the historical context of Modernism, particularly the impact of the World Wars, is crucial for grasping the thematic concerns and experimental approaches of modern novels. ### 3.2 Key characteristics of modern novels Modern novels distinguish themselves through several defining features: #### 3.2.1 Experimentation with form and language Authors moved beyond conventional literary structures, employing innovative narrative devices and linguistic approaches. This can be seen in experiments with genre and the structure of poetic works, indicating a broader trend across literary forms. #### 3.2.2 Use of unreliable narrators and stream of consciousness A significant departure from the omniscient narrators of earlier eras, modern novels frequently utilize unreliable narrators. This technique, often coupled with the "stream of consciousness" narrative style, aims to capture the fluid and often fragmented nature of human thought and perception. > **Example:** A stream of consciousness passage might jump between sensory observations, memories, and internal reflections without strict logical progression, mirroring the way a mind actually works. For instance: "The clock ticks too loudly, or maybe it’s my heart, no, the clock, because I remember Mother winding it last night, her fingers trembling—why did she tremble? Tea spilled on the table, I should’ve cleaned it, now the stain is there, brown like the garden soil after the rain." This passage employs interior monologue and eschews a detached, all-knowing narrator. #### 3.2.3 Complex characters with simple plots Modern novels tend to prioritize the psychological depth and complexity of their characters over intricate plot development. This means characters are often portrayed with nuanced inner lives, struggling with their own thoughts, feelings, and the situations they face. The plots themselves may be straightforward, serving as a backdrop for character exploration. #### 3.2.4 The rise of the anti-hero Modern fiction frequently features anti-heroes. These characters are typically weak, passive, and prone to being overwhelmed by their circumstances. They are often alienated, estranged, and struggle internally or with their environment, embodying a more realistic portrayal of human frailty than the idealized heroes of previous literary periods. #### 3.2.5 Subjective representation of the world Modern novels move away from objective, detailed portrayals of reality toward a more subjective and impressionistic representation. The focus shifts from presenting a clear, external image of the world to depicting how that world is experienced and perceived by the individual consciousness. This is a key distinction from 19th-century Realism, which sought to capture social realities in detail. > **Comparison:** While 19th-century Realism, as seen in Dickens, grounds readers in concrete social realities and character development within those settings, Modernist Realism, exemplified by Fitzgerald, dissolves the social world into symbols and subjective impressions, focusing on individual perception and fragmented perspectives. #### 3.2.6 Focus on the problems of modernity Thematically, modern novels engage with the challenges and anxieties of the modern era, including technological advancements, social disorder, psychological complexities, and the pervasive patterns of change. #### 3.2.7 Post-war disillusionment Following World War I and World War II, a profound disillusionment with traditional values, social institutions, and artistic forms became a dominant theme. This led to a rejection of certainty, order, and tradition in favor of fragmentation, alienation, and experimentation. There was a significant loss of faith in progress, religion, and morality, and a questioning of traditional narrative forms themselves. Themes of alienation and isolation, where characters often feel purposeless, are prevalent. Modern society, with its industrialization and materialism, is often criticized as a force contributing to war and a lack of meaning. #### 3.2.8 The Roaring Twenties context The Roaring Twenties, a period of dramatic social and cultural change following World War I, provided a backdrop for many modern novels. This era was marked by economic boom, rapid industrial growth, mass production, and a burgeoning consumer culture, alongside significant social shifts like the rise of jazz music, nightclubs, and the "flapper" generation—young women embracing independence and rejecting traditional norms. Cultural innovation flourished, with modernist literature, cinema, and the Harlem Renaissance gaining prominence. The US Prohibition era also contributed to a sense of moral questioning beneath the surface of prosperity. The American Dream itself, once a symbol of unlimited opportunity through hard work, began to be questioned, with writers showing its potential corruption by materialism. --- # The impact of post-war disillusionment and the Roaring Twenties The period following World War I and World War II witnessed a profound sense of disillusionment, leading to a significant questioning of established values and traditional narrative structures, while the Roaring Twenties emerged as an era of intense social transformation, cultural effervescence, and economic expansion, albeit accompanied by underlying moral ambiguities. ### 4.1 Post-WWI disillusionment Following the unprecedented destruction and trauma of World War I, many writers across Europe and America experienced a deep-seated disillusionment. This sentiment manifested as a rejection of traditional values, societal institutions, and established artistic forms, including a notable departure from Victorian ideals. The war's impact spurred a move away from certainty, order, and tradition towards fragmentation, alienation, and experimental approaches in literature and thought. Key aspects of this disillusionment include: * **Loss of faith:** The mechanized warfare of WWI eroded faith in progress, religion, and established moral frameworks. * **Questioning of narrative:** Traditional narrative forms were also questioned due to their perceived inability to capture the fragmented and traumatic reality of the modern world. * **Themes of alienation and loss:** Literature began to heavily feature characters who felt purposeless, isolated, and estranged from society. * **Critique of modernity:** Industrialization and materialism were identified as underlying forces that contributed to the war and lacked inherent meaning. ### 4.2 The Roaring Twenties The Roaring Twenties, a decade that followed WWI, was characterized by dramatic social and cultural shifts in the United States and parts of Europe. It represented a period of prosperity, cultural innovation, and social liberation, yet beneath its vibrant surface lay a current of moral questioning and disillusionment. #### 4.2.1 Key features of the Roaring Twenties 1. **Economic boom:** * Rapid industrial growth fueled mass production of goods like automobiles and radios. * A burgeoning consumer culture emerged. * Stock market speculation created a widespread sense of prosperity, which ultimately collapsed with the 1929 market crash, ushering in the Great Depression of the 1930s. 2. **Social change:** * **The Jazz Age:** Jazz music, nightclubs, and popular dance crazes became emblematic of newfound freedom. Jazz, with its fast rhythms and improvisational nature, symbolized the spirit of the era. * **The rise of the "flappers":** Young women challenged traditional norms through their fashion, behavior, and assertion of independence. This generation embraced a lifestyle considered by many contemporaries to be radical, immoral, or even dangerous, pushing boundaries in economic, political, and sexual freedom for women. 3. **Cultural innovation:** * **Flourishing of Modernist literature:** Writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Langston Hughes produced significant works during this period. * **Emergence of cinema:** Silent films rapidly developed into a major art form. * **The Harlem Renaissance:** This movement celebrated African American art, music, and literature, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape. 4. **Prohibition in the U.S.:** * The nationwide ban on alcohol led to the rise of speakeasies (illegal bars), bootlegging (illegal alcohol production and distribution), and a significant increase in organized crime. #### 4.2.2 The questioning of the American Dream The concept of the American Dream, envisioning America as a "promised land" of opportunity, beauty, and unlimited potential, where individuals could achieve success and upward mobility through hard work, was a central cultural ideal. This dream emphasized the triumph of the independent, self-reliant individual. However, 20th-century writers began to scrutinize this ideal, often depicting its corruption by materialism and its unfulfilled promises. > **Tip:** When studying this period, consider how the events and sentiments of post-war disillusionment directly influenced the themes and stylistic choices of writers in the Roaring Twenties and beyond. The tension between outward prosperity and inner unease is a key characteristic. --- # The American Dream in 20th-century literature 20th-century writers began to critique the traditional American Dream, revealing its corruption by materialism. ### 5.1 The american dream: concept and evolution The American Dream is fundamentally the belief that the United States is a "promised land" offering beauty, abundant resources, and limitless opportunities. It posits that any individual, irrespective of their origin, can attain success, prosperity, and social advancement through diligent effort. The core tenets include the triumph of the independent, self-reliant individual and the realization that everything is achievable for those who trust in their own capabilities and potential. This concept has historically been a cornerstone of American culture, influencing its literature and history, often rooted in narratives of self-made success and the aspirations of immigrants. ### 5.2 20th-century critiques of the american dream The early to mid-20th century, particularly the period following World War I and extending through the Roaring Twenties, witnessed a significant re-evaluation and critique of the American Dream in literature. #### 5.2.1 The impact of post-war disillusionment The unprecedented destruction wrought by World War I led to widespread disillusionment across Europe and America. This disillusionment manifested as a rejection of traditional values, societal institutions, and established artistic conventions, particularly a departure from Victorian ideals. * **Loss of faith:** The war eroded faith in progress, traditional morality, and even the certainty of established narrative forms. * **Themes of alienation and loss:** Literature of this era frequently explored themes of purposelessness and isolation among characters who felt estranged from a society undergoing rapid, often disorienting change. * **Criticism of modernity:** Industrialization and materialism were increasingly viewed by writers as forces that contributed to societal ills, including warfare, and which ultimately lacked intrinsic meaning. #### 5.2.2 The roaring twenties and its undercurrents The Roaring Twenties was a period of immense social and cultural transformation characterized by economic prosperity and innovation, but also shadowed by moral questioning and underlying disillusionment. * **Economic boom and consumerism:** Rapid industrial growth, mass production, and the burgeoning consumer culture fostered a sense of widespread prosperity, though this was often built on stock market speculation that would eventually collapse. * **Social liberation and moral ambiguity:** The era saw social liberation symbolized by jazz music, nightclubs, and the emergence of the "flapper" – young women who challenged traditional norms through their fashion, behavior, and pursuit of independence. This era was marked by a tension between outward gaiety and a sense of moral questioning. * **Cultural innovation:** Modernist literature thrived, with authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway producing works that grappled with the era's complexities. Cinema rose as a major art form, and the Harlem Renaissance celebrated African American artistic expression. * **Prohibition's impact:** The ban on alcohol led to the rise of illegal activities such as speakeasies, bootlegging, and organized crime, adding another layer of social tension and moral compromise. #### 5.2.3 Materialism as a corrupting force Central to the critique of the American Dream in 20th-century literature was the theme of its corruption by materialism. Writers began to illustrate how the pursuit of wealth and material possessions had overshadowed the original ideals of opportunity and self-fulfillment. * **Shift from idealism to acquisition:** The dream transformed from one of genuine success and upward mobility into a focus on superficial wealth and status. * **Exposing hollowness:** Literature revealed the emptiness and moral decay that could lie beneath a veneer of prosperity, questioning whether material gain truly equated to happiness or fulfillment. * **Fitzgerald's critique:** Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, in works such as *The Great Gatsby*, profoundly explored how the relentless pursuit of wealth could lead to moral compromise, social stratification, and ultimately, a hollow existence, thereby deconstructing the idealized vision of the American Dream. --- ## Common mistakes to avoid - Review all topics thoroughly before exams - Pay attention to formulas and key definitions - Practice with examples provided in each section - Don't memorize without understanding the underlying concepts

| Term | Definition | |------|------------| | Modern Novel | A literary genre generally encompassing works from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, characterized by experimentation with form, style, and narrative techniques in response to societal changes. | | Modernism | A literary and artistic movement, roughly from the early 20th century to 1965, that marked a significant break from tradition. It reacted against Victorian culture and illustrated the shock of the World Wars, often focusing on inner consciousness and individual alienation. | | Stream of Consciousness | A narrative technique that attempts to depict the multitudinous thoughts and feelings which pass through the mind, often in a seemingly random or chaotic order, mirroring the natural flow of thoughts. | | Unreliable Narrator | A narrator whose credibility has been compromised. This can be due to a mental illness, a moral failing, or a deliberate attempt to deceive the reader. | | Anti-hero | A central character in a story, film, or drama who lacks conventional heroic qualities such as idealism, courage, and morality. They often struggle with themselves or their environment and may be alienated or estranged. | | 19th-Century Realism | A literary movement that aimed to portray contemporary life and society accurately and truthfully, focusing on concrete details of social conditions, class struggles, and individual development within a recognizable social world. | | Modernist Realism | A form of realism that emerged during the modernist period, often dissolving the social world into symbols and subjective impressions rather than presenting a straightforward depiction of reality. | | Post-WWI Disillusionment | A widespread feeling of disappointment and loss of faith in traditional values, social institutions, and artistic forms experienced by many writers and intellectuals after World War I, stemming from the unprecedented destruction and questioning of established beliefs. | | The Roaring Twenties | A decade in the 1920s characterized by significant social and cultural change, economic prosperity, and cultural innovation in the U.S. and parts of Europe, often associated with jazz music, changing social norms, and technological advancements, but also underlying moral questioning. | | Flappers | Young women in the 1920s who rejected traditional societal norms through their fashion, behavior, and pursuit of independence, embracing a lifestyle considered unconventional and even scandalous at the time. | | The American Dream | A central cultural belief in the United States that emphasizes the possibility for any individual, regardless of background, to achieve success, prosperity, and upward mobility through hard work, self-reliance, and personal potential. | | Materialism | A philosophical stance that emphasizes the importance of material possessions and physical comfort. In the context of the American Dream, it refers to the corruption of the ideal by an excessive focus on wealth and possessions. |