German war literature. How effective did anti-war and anti-Nazism writers articulate themselves?

A research paper on "How effective did anti-war and anti-Nazism writers articulate themselves?"

Historical time periods are in most cases themes of literature and inspire writers; to express their opinions; to reflect these periods ; and to enlighten people. So literature and history have been always grown together interdependently. Similarly, one of the most inspireful eras is time interval between World War I and II. As the narrator of Böll's satire, Christmas Not Just Once a Year writes, war had enormous effect on the writers of wartime:
During the years 1939 to 1945 there was a war on. In wartime there is a lot of singing, shooting, talking, fighting, starving and dying -- and bombs are dropped, all disagreeable things with which I have no intention of boring my contemporaries. I must merely mention them because the war had a bearing on the story I wish to tell (qtd. in Reid 2).

Almost every German artist wanted to articulate his/her view on war in different ways, but how exactly did they raise their voices? Nevertheless, their views of wartime differ. On the one hand, some authors wrote against either Nazi ideology or war; while on the other hand some writers wrote in favor of either Nazi regime or war. However, German writers against Hitler or war articulated themselves better, because even though it is prohibited to write against the government, they were courageous enough to criticize leaders and to discuss people's attitudes and point of views towards war, and the conditions of wartime.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• German War Literature: How effective did anti-war and-Nazism writers articulate themselves?
• Satire and the Power of Words
• The Hypnotizing Effect of Leaders and the Reaction of Citizens
• Changing Attitudes Towards Soldiers and the Effects of War
• The Influence of Corruption on Personal Relationships
• The Aryan Race Against Jewish Conflict and its Impact on Relationships

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This research explores the effectiveness of anti-war and anti-Nazi writers in articulating their views during the tumultuous period between World War I and II. It delves into how these writers used their voices in a restrictive environment, examining their techniques and impact on readers. The key themes explored are:

• The use of satire and indirect criticism to convey anti-war and anti-Nazi sentiments.
• The manipulation of individuals by leaders and the subsequent rebellion against this influence.
• The societal changes and shifts in attitudes towards soldiers and the effects of war on individuals and relationships.
• The impact of corruption and ideological conflict on personal relationships, leading to division and mistrust.
• The harmful effects of racial conflict and the deterioration of relationships between people of different backgrounds.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

This section focuses on the main themes, arguments, or narrative elements of each chapter, excluding summaries of the conclusion or any sections containing major revelations or spoilers.

Satire and the Power of Words

This chapter examines how writers like Bertolt Brecht employed satire and indirect criticism to convey their opposition to war and Nazi ideology. The analysis focuses on Brecht's use of satire in his poem "Hitler-Chorale" and its effectiveness in expressing his critique of Hitler's rhetoric and influence. It explores how Brecht cleverly concealed his satirical message to avoid censorship, highlighting the limitations and challenges faced by writers during this era.

The Hypnotizing Effect of Leaders and the Reaction of Citizens

This chapter examines the theme of leadership manipulation and its effect on citizens, drawing on Thomas Mann's novel "Mario and the Magician." The analysis focuses on how Mann portrays the hypnotic influence of leaders through the character of Cipolla, a charlatan who manipulates Mario. The chapter explores how Mario's eventual rebellion against Cipolla symbolizes the potential for resistance and the awakening of consciousness against oppressive regimes.

Changing Attitudes Towards Soldiers and the Effects of War

This chapter analyzes how the changing attitudes towards soldiers during wartime are depicted in German literature. It explores Brecht's portrayal of the soldier Andreas Kragler in "Drums in the Night" and how his experiences highlight the societal alienation and mistreatment faced by soldiers returning from war. The chapter contrasts this view with the idealized heroism promoted by Nazi poets, highlighting the contrasting perspectives on war and the impact of conflict on individuals.

The Influence of Corruption on Personal Relationships

This chapter focuses on how war and corruption erode personal relationships, using Anna Seghers' novel "The Excursion of the Dead Girl" as an example. The analysis explores how characters like Marianne and Gustav, driven by ideological loyalty, prioritize state interests over friendship and empathy. This leads to the fracturing of close relationships, showcasing the destructive impact of conflict on human connections.

The Aryan Race Against Jewish Conflict and its Impact on Relationships

This chapter examines the theme of racial conflict and its effect on relationships, focusing on Seghers' portrayal of the Aryan-Jewish conflict in "The Excursion of the Dead Girl." The analysis explores how the conflict leads to segregation and discrimination, highlighting the detrimental impact on personal connections and societal harmony. The chapter emphasizes the pointlessness of such conflict, as it destroys the bonds of friendship and community.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This research focuses on the critical analysis of German war literature, specifically exploring the voices of anti-war and anti-Nazi writers. The primary keywords include satire, indirect criticism, manipulation, resistance, societal changes, corruption, personal relationships, and racial conflict. These terms encapsulate the key themes and concepts explored in the text, encompassing the writers' techniques, their perspectives on the war and Nazi regime, and the effects of conflict on individuals and society.

Details

• Grade: 95
• Author: Boğaç Aybey (Author)
• Publication Year: 2013
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V293379
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656908319
• ISBN (Book): 9783656908326
• Language: English
• Tags: german german literature literature war writers books anti-war Nazism