The Lost Generation writers, a term often used to describe the generation of writers who came of age during or just after World War I, faced various challenges and experiences. Many of them had a sense of disillusionment and alienation due to the impact of the war. Later in their careers, some of these writers made the decision to explore new literary and artistic forms, while others became expatriates, living abroad in places like Paris. The experiences of the Lost Generation writers greatly influenced their later works, which often reflected themes of disillusionment, existentialism, and a sense of loss.
The term "Lost Generation" was popularized by writer Gertrude Stein and later used by Ernest Hemingway in his novel "The Sun Also Rises" to describe the generation that came of age during or shortly after World War I. This generation, including writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, T.S. Eliot, and others, was deeply affected by the war and its aftermath.
Many Lost Generation writers faced a sense of disillusionment and despair due to the brutality and trauma of the war. They were often critical of the traditional values and societal norms that they believed had led to the war and were disappointed by the perceived lack of purpose in the post-war world.
Later in their careers, some of these writers made significant decisions that reflected their responses to the challenges of their time. One common decision was to explore new literary and artistic forms. The traditional modes of expression were seen as inadequate in capturing the complexity and fragmentation of the modern world. For example, T.S. Eliot's poetry and F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels are often considered as innovative responses to the changing cultural landscape.
Additionally, a number of Lost Generation writers became expatriates, choosing to live in foreign countries, particularly in Paris, which was a vibrant intellectual and artistic hub during the 1920s. Living abroad allowed them to distance themselves from what they perceived as the stifling and conventional attitudes of their home countries. Paris, in particular, became a gathering place for these writers, and their interactions with each other influenced their works.