Elements of War Fiction

This resource is a handy visual aid for lessons teaching war fiction and its elements, war story writing as well as analysing war fiction pieces:

War fiction is a literary genre that explores the effects of armed conflict on individuals, societies, and cultures. It often delves into the experiences of soldiers on the front lines, as well as the impact of war on civilians, families, and communities. War fiction can be set in various historical periods or fictional worlds, and it may focus on specific wars or encompass broader themes of warfare and its consequences.

Characterized by its exploration of themes such as heroism, sacrifice, trauma, survival, and the moral complexities of war, this genre provides insight into the human condition under extreme circumstances. Through vivid storytelling and intricate character development, war fiction offers readers a glimpse into the psychological, emotional, and physical toll of conflict, while also examining larger societal and political issues that underpin warfare.

Notable examples of war fiction include “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque, “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien, “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, and “Slaughterhouse-Five” by Kurt Vonnegut.