THE SECOND WORLD WAR IN AMERICAN LITERATURE
Keywords:
Key words: World War II, American literature, trauma, patriotism, heroism, loss, impact of war, Joseph Heller, Kurt Vonnegut, Norman Mailer, James Jones, Catch-22, Slaughterhouse-Five, memoirs, poetry, essays, human cost, lasting legacy.Abstract
Abstract: The representation of the second World War in American literature is a rich and diverse subject that explores key themes such as the trauma of war, patriotism, heroism, loss, and the impact of war on society and individuals. This abstract provides an overview of how authors such as Joseph Heller, Kurt Vonnegut, Norman Mailer, and James Jones have shaped the literary landscape with their works that delve into the complexities of the war experience. From satirical depictions of the absurdity of war in "Catch-22" to personal reflections on the bombing of Dresden in "Slaughterhouse-Five," these authors have created enduring narratives that continue to resonate with readers. In addition to fictional accounts, American literature also includes memoirs, poetry, and essays that offer intimate perspectives on the war, highlighting its human cost and lasting legacy. Overall, the representation of the second World War in American literature reflects the enduring impact of the war on individuals and society, ensuring that its memory and lessons remain alive in the literary imagination.
References
"Dos Passos". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Retrieved 2016-01-21.
"Dos Passos, John". Lexico UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 2021-03-08.
"Don Passos Sees The Better Side", The Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri, volume 72, number 75, December 1, 1951, page 1B. (subscription required)
Carr, Virginia Spencer (1984). Dos Passos: A Life. Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press. ISBN 978-0-8101-2200-0. pages 114–117. The acknowledgement was never full or warm, nor were relations between the half-brothers Louis and John.
See, e.g., John R. Dos Passos, "The Negro Question", Vol. 12, No. 8, Yale Law Journal 467 (1903) (arguing for returning power to states governing African American voting).
