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How Does T. S. Eliot Criticize American Culture?

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In response to the Modernist Era, America culture witnessed a transition from rational views to the promotion of one’s image, desire for entertainment and increased leisure time, and equal treatment of women and men. Some individuals criticized and glorified this new American culture. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot criticizes American culture by suggesting that Americans are too myopic and self-absorbed in their appearances. George Bellows’ “Both Members of This Club” also criticizes American culture by challenging the immortality entertainment and leisure time. However, Mary Cassatt's painting, Modern Woman, glorifies American culture through the promotion of equal treatment of both genders. “The Love Song of J. Alfred …show more content…
Bellows created this painting when he attended fights at Tom Sharkey's Athletic Club in New York. During this time, public boxing was illegal and private organizations made fighters temporary members of these so-called clubs on nights of fights to circumvent the law. Bellows reflects the tumultuous nature of America and depicts a black boxer doused with sweat and his opponent, a one white boxer, with his face covered with blood. The depiction of the black boxer signifies the rise of the black boxer against the white boxer. However, there are spectators surrounding the ring, wanting more bloodshed along with the rest of the audience. Although Bellows questions why people are fighting to being with, he highlights the underlying themes of aggression and conflict made by this form of entertainment. This dark human nature that the artist depicts suggests that the men in the ring are forced to continue with this brutality. Bellows scrutinizes this social injustice by showing how Americans use their leisure time and money to witness social transgression. Bellows mocks American culture by revealing the corruption and immorality of society and how people use their time for unuseful

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