Too often in literature, novels that concern a specific time period lack the authenticity of staging for the reader. However, author John Dos Passos strives to use unique and innovative writing techniques in his novel 1919 (one of three entries in the USA trilogy) to deliver atmosphere, tone, and realism. Dos Passos' original use of literary devices is evident through character development, use of historical figures or people, intentional details in setting and tone, and through the short films "The Camera Eye" and "Newsreel" . By providing such meticulous detail, Dos Passos gives the reader a better understanding of the setting while having a more authentic and enlightening reading experience. Dos Passos also effectively tells his story of 1919 with honesty and criticism relating to the American way of life in the early 20th century, particularly for low-income citizens. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Dos Passos' techniques within the narrative surrounding character development are strategic yet compelling. The narrator appears to be omniscient, and Dos Passos uses this tool uniquely to expose the crumbling lives of his characters and the turmoil surrounding the time period, while also subtly expressing his ironic tone. For example, when he introduces Eveline Hutchins he mixes words together to demonstrate his irony and realism in the following passage: Downstairs was Doctor Hutchins's study where your father was not to be disturbed, and dear mother's room where he stayed all morning painting clothes. In a lavender apron. On the ground floor were the living room and the dining room, where the parishioners came and the little children were to be seen and not heard, and at dinner time you could smell the smell of good things to eat and taste and the booming voice and fearful of Thy Father and when Thy Father's voice rang out in all the voices of the company. they were calm (Dos Passos 83). The author combines common phrases together like a typical American would while speaking purposefully to grab the readers attention. Dos Passos also wants the audience to be aware of the negative aspects of American culture, creating a new interpretation of a commonly clichéd technique. Short biographies of famous historical figures are inserted into the 1919 story and show another innovative writing style. Dos Passos uses these figures as representatives of the era and often depicts them unkindly. Another important reason for these life stories is to give a face to American society at the time. Specifically, Dos Passos' biography of Woodrow Wilson conveys a dark message about the former president of the United States. One example where this is evident is when he writes, “The leaders of the small towns and the guardians looked at each other and scratched their heads; then they rejoiced; Wilson deceived the pundits and deceived the bosses, he was elected by a huge majority” (Dos Passos 193). This passage clearly implies a negative tone towards "Meester Veelson" and explains that the once praised president was not as great as he seemed. “The Camera Eye” is another collection of short films juxtaposed with the character's environment, in which Dos Passos uses to convey his attitudes towards existence and humanity. While aiming to be a compliment to the narrative and experiences of the characters, the prose style is drastically different from his predominantly realist narrative style. “The Camera Eye” displays poetic imagery and stream-of-consciousness techniques. A notable example is shown in “The Camera Eye”, 1946.