WWI and Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper examines some of the reasons that WWI inspired so many writers and poets around the world. It looks at the changing themes seen in WWI literature, from patriotism and pride to horror and disillusionment with the war. Some of the great authors to emerge from this period are discussed, and their works, such as "The Sun Also Rises" and "The Wasteland," are cited as examples of the intense focus on realism that resulted from the growing opposition to the war.

From the Paper:

"In America, literature followed the same pattern during these years, as did the society and public opinion. Writers who had once urged the government to become part of the Great War became aware of the blunder they had committed and having realized this, turned staunchly against war. Their work in other words, was a fair reflection of society's opinion of war. It is strange that while in previous conflicts, no literary revolution was witnessed in America, the things changed dramatically during the Great War as numerous authors and poets undertook the task of voicing society's views and exposing the utter senselessness that surrounded war."

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