Yura-+A+Creative+Era

__Jazz__ Jazz was originated in the South. It was a way the African Americans expressed their sorrows and sadness. Yet, in 1910, it moved to the North and became a popular genre of music. It was not only the African Americans who sang and produced jazz, but it was also combined with other types of American music. Therefore, it was soon a music that alleviated the sadness of all Americans and not just African Americans. Some famous pieces include, //Rhapsody in Blue, Mabel's Dream, Froggie Moore, and Savoy Blues.// One of the most famous jazz musician was Louis Armstrong, who enhanced jazz and traditional blues music. He played a big role in spreading jazz as he was respected as an artist and performed many solos.

__The Harlem Renaissance__ During the 1920s, racism was still active. However, African American artists managed to overcome the racial prejudice and create noticeable performances as well as literature. African American theaters were no longer neglected due to the amazing performances, which some even went on to Broadway. Actors such as Ron McClendon and Paul Robenson overcame the racial barriers and succeeded into playing main characters in non-African American plays.

Literature was also noticeable at this time. Although there were many obstacles for the African Americans in order to receive education, there were many great writers who were able to express the lives of the African Americans. The writings consisted of variety of emotions ranging from anger to joy. Moreover, the expressed their pride in there ethnicity. Hence, they supported each other and the respected African American artists advocated other fledgling artists. African American artists view art as a way to break the racism and express their opinions and views about the world.

__The Lost Generation__ Coincidental with the Harlem Renaissance was the rise of American writers. Just like the frankness of African American writers, other Americans writers expressed criticism and skepticism about America after World War I. Many of the most famous American writers such as Hemingway and Fitzgerald were from this time. Ironically, these authors shared many of same views as the African American writers. Moreover, the many writings consisted of postwar effects. These writers were frank about their views of American life. They simply expressed the ruined spirit of America after World War I as well as pointing out the facets in American society that deteriorated the faiths even more. Due to the sincerity of these writings, various literature from this time such as, //The Great Gatsby and A Farewell to Arms,// became the most famous writings in American history.

//Great Gatsby// The story revolves around the high society life during the early 1900s. Gatsby is a wealthy man who try to gain his love back from another rich man. However, as things get complicated, the two lovers fail to reunite and live happily ever after. Moreover, Gatsby faces his death at his own swimming pool. The narrator, Nick, gets frustrated that only a few people attend to Gatsby's funeral because when Gatsby held his extravagant parties, everyone was desperate to come. This shows how selfish and blinded by wealth people were at the time.

__The Visual Arts__ It was not only the writing and music that expressed the emptiness in life. Paintings and photography expressed dark and gloomy settings to divulge the loneliness and boredom. Also, Stieglitz captured the technologies that were pivotal and evolved during this time. Just as the literature expressed life in America, photos and paintings represented American life as well, although not as direct. As honest as the arts during this time period was, the creavity was also undeniable. Moreover, it was the point where many of our culture today evolved. For example, architecture transformed immensely from the traditional buildings to sharp and edgy buildings including skyscrapers.

Questions for Review: 1. How were the authors of The Lost Generation? 2. Were African Americans able to ever perform on Broadway? 3. Why were people so skeptical about American society? 4. Name a jazz song that was famous at the time? 5. What type of people listened to jazz? 6. What type of emotions were contained in the music?

VIDEOS http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=D5M9ZOatUZw Louis Armstrong http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=vnRqYMTpXHc Louis Armstrong http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=fAAMDJ9KgxQ Froggie Moore http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiZiVvdX4g Paul Robenson http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=rTQvDCYY5E8&NR=1 //The Great Gatsby// IMAGES http://www.photogravure.com/photogravure_images/medium/Stieglitz_33_01.jpg http://www.uvicaics.com/culturepics/stieglitz.jpg