German Holocaust Literature: Trends and Tendencies

Abstract

The development of German Holocaust literature is traced from the war to the present. Basic concepts and definitions relevant to the study are presented. A variety of texts from the subjects of history, social science, memoirs, and creative literature are used to illustrate key developments. Memory, silence, trauma and representation are also considered. The trends and tendencies are placed in the context of social and political developments, alongside trends in historiography and social science. There has been an overall increase in the complexity and variety of Holocaust literature, whereby changes in one area lead to changes in others. From an early period in which the topic was avoided and marginalized, the Holocaust has come to be viewed as a central aspect of Twentieth Century history and memory. New groups have implicated as participating in the Holocaust. Explanatory approaches considered include anti-Semitism, totalitarianism and fascism, modernity and violence.