Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)
World War I, Modernism, David Jones with Tim Noakes
Apr 15, 2025
Tim Noakes, Head of Public Services at Stanford University's Special Collections, joins the discussion to explore David Jones' literary masterpiece, "In Parenthesis." The conversation delves into the chaotic impact of World War I on modernist thought, highlighting how poets like Jones captured the absurdity of war. They examine Jones' artistic evolution and his unique blend of poetry and prose influenced by surrealism and Welsh myths. Additionally, they reflect on the emotional aftermath of key battles like the Somme, enriching our understanding of soldiers' experiences.
52:23
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Quick takeaways
- World War I drastically altered traditional ideals of heroism, exposing soldiers to brutal realities that shattered their romanticized expectations of warfare.
- David Jones' literary work 'In Parenthesis' reflects the chaotic battlefield experience and profound loss, capturing the duality of technology's allure and its destructive consequences in war.
Deep dives
The Absurdity of World War I
World War I introduced a level of absurdity and destruction that shocked many of its participants, who initially viewed it as an adventure. Most soldiers expected a quick resolution, believing the war would end by December 1914, but instead, it devolved into four years of relentless horror marked by advanced weaponry and brutal tactics. The traditional ideals of heroism and valor were fundamentally altered, as advancements such as machine guns rendered offensive charges virtually suicidal. This transformation not only changed the nature of warfare but also led to a deep disillusionment among combatants as they confronted the grim reality of trench warfare.
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