Write a two-page essay Research on how World War 2 shaped American literature.
Write in MLA Format
Include at least 2 sources
World War 2 was one of the most defining moments in the history of the world, and its impact on American literature cannot be overstated. The war brought about significant changes in the lives and mindset of Americans, which, in turn, shaped the literature produced during and after the war. This paper seeks to explore how World War 2 influenced American literature.
One way in which World War 2 shaped American literature is by changing the prevailing literary themes and styles. In the pre-war era, American literature was characterized by optimism and a belief in progress. However, the atrocities of the war shattered this optimism, and writers were forced to grapple with the horrors of the war. These themes were captured by writers such as Kurt Vonnegut in his novel “Slaughterhouse Five,” which recounts the bombing of Dresden, and Joseph Heller in “Catch-22.”
Moreover, the experiences of World War 2 from different perspectives allowed for literature to evolve and thrive in different genres. These different perspectives range from wartime memoirs to novels, which provide an insight into the realities of the war from the eyes of the soldiers, civilians, and policymakers. For example, James Jones's “From Here to Eternity” explores the experiences of soldiers in the military, while John Hersey's “Hiroshima” provides a chilling account of the experiences of civilians during the atomic bombings.
In addition, the experiences of World War 2 also led to broader changes in American literature by promoting diversity. The war brought together people of different races, beliefs, and backgrounds, and this newfound diversity was reflected in American literature. The war allowed people of different backgrounds to come together and to work towards a common goal, which in turn shaped the American identity in literature for generations.
Moreover, World War 2 allowed American literature to reach a global audience. As the world watched the war unfold in different parts of the world, literature provided the means for people to understand the war from different perspectives. This global audience allowed American writers to reach a larger readership, which, in turn, impacted the reception and style of American literature.
In conclusion, World War 2 had significant impacts on American literature. It forced American writers to confront the harsh realities of war and shattered the previous literary themes of optimism and progress. Instead, the war allowed for a change in the themes and styles of literature that continue to be felt till today. Furthermore, the war promoted diversity in American literature and allowed it to reach a global audience. The literary works produced during and after World War 2 continue to shape American literature, highlighting the momentous impact of the war on literature.
Sources:
Burgess, Anthony. "The last of England?" Encounter, 44(1975), 7-21.
Hofer, Walther. The Novel of Violence in America, 1920-1950. Seattle, SeattleUniversityPress, 1971.