Gertrude Stein: The First of the "Lost Generation"

In the year 1874 Gertrude Stein was born. She was very fortunate and was born into a wealthy family, so she spent most of her time traveling back and forth between America and Europe. Stein grew up to be an intelligent writer and poet. She published one of her first novels in 1909. She was involved in an important era in history called the “Lost Generation.” But the reader may ask themselves, how much of a role did Gertrude Stein play in the Lost Generation and what did she do in it?

In the early stages of Stein’s life she was the youngest of five siblings and was born and raised in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. As she grew up she attended Radcliffe College and studied psychology. She spent most of her time studying with the famous psychologist William James. Later, she attended Johns Hopkins Medical School, but unfortunately was unable to finish her degree. In 1902, after giving up her studies, she went abroad and lived in Paris until her death.

Before Gertrude Stein began her writing and poetry, she was interested in modern art movements. Stein also assembled a gallery of art with her brother Leo and purchased the works of Picasso and Matisse during 1904-1913. When Stein began her adventure of becoming a writer she emphasized the sound and rhythm of words, not the sense. Her first novel “Three Lives” was published in 1909. While writing this novel she tried to establish new verb forms and a way for the reader’s consciousness to be able to study the workings of another mind. Her psychology background helped her to develop this style. Dialogue was also a main focus in her work. Gertrude Stein was able to write many books in her life time.

The Lost Generation was named by Gertrude Stein. It is defined as a general feeling of disillusionment with American literary notables who lived in Europe and Paris. Stein supposedly made up this phrase by hearing her French garage owner speak of his young auto mechanics and their poor repair skills, as “une génération perdue.” The Lost Generation began in America in the 1920s. American writers rebelled against the growing emphasis in America on business and industrialization. The American writers wanted a world that appreciated art and literature. The writers of the Lost Generation had lost faith with America so they packed their bags and traveled to Europe. In the 19th century writers were expected to use rigid Victorian styles. The writers of the Lost Generation were above and apart from that idea and used their own modern style of writing.

Later in life Stein met her close associate Alice B. Toklas. Alice grew up in a Jewish family and was fond of paintings, furniture, tapestry, houses, and flowers. Their relationship remained close until Stein death. Gertrude Stein played a very big role in the Lost Generation and was the woman that coined the term. Sadly, Stein died on July 27, 1946. She died at the age of 72 from stomach cancer. She was a very popular American Writer in the 19th century and influenced a generation of American writers and poets.