Writing War in the Twentieth Century

Exploring the intersection of art and warfare in the twentieth century, Margot Norris questions why artistic expressions failed to effectively counteract the horrors of war despite their emotional power. She examines how military rationalism and scientific discourse legitimized violence, limiting art's ability to respond. Norris analyzes significant works, from World War I poetry to modern films like Apocalypse Now and Schindler's List, revealing the ethical complexities and aesthetic strategies involved in representing the devastation of war and its impact on civilian populations.