Is war the result of a few rulers’ decisions? Or is it a tragedy perpetuated by
many people? Heinrich Böll, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972, has consistently explored this question in his works. As a prominent representative of Trümmerliteratur and post-war literature, as well as an active politically engaged writer, Böll has not only depicted the destruction of post-war cities and the suffering of people but also examined the shadows and brilliance of human nature in various works.
It is fascinating to see how works like Ansichten eines Clowns (1963) and Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum (1974), despite being written in different eras, maintain timeless relevance. While Böll critiques the society and media of his time in these narratives, the phenomena and arguments of the characters in the stories resonate as premonitions for us contemporary people, who are still threatened by wars. Consequently, the focus of this study will be on how Böll, through these two works concerning his views on war, expresses the healing of past historical wounds, the portrayal of human nature, and criticism of society. The examination will also be supported by political essays written by Böll during the same period. My aim is further to understand how Böll, known as “the conscience of Germany,” finds a standpoint for social and political criticism and seeks hope for the redemption of human nature through his writings.
