Early 1900s: Many writers rely on funding from patrons (wealthy individuals who support the arts) so that they can devote their full time and energies to their work.

1990s: Though institutional support of the arts exists, such as the National Endowment for the Arts, many writers rely on teaching, freelance writing, etc., as their main means of financial support.

Early 1900s: Victorian morals restrict writers' freedom to explore themes of homosexuality in literature. Some critics have suggested that Melanctha is really about a lesbian relationship, and that Stein felt it necessary to mask this relationship.

1990s: Many writers, including Adrienne Rich, Rita May Brown, and Allen Ginsberg, make homosexuality a predominant theme in their writing.