Abstract
The trial of Adolf Eichmann in 1961 did much to stimulate the debate about the
remembrance and nature of the Holocaust after the ‘Silent Fifties’ in Europe.
This article studies the interpretation of this trial by the Dutch novelist Harry
Mulisch. It contextualizes his work in the remembrance of the Holocaust in
postwar Europe and compares it with the most famous and controversial
understanding of the trial, that of Hannah Arendt—who stated that she and
Mulisch shared main conclusions. This article nuances her statement and
argues that Mulisch viewed the trial primarily as a novelist. His empathetic
approach helped not only to bring a better understanding of Eichmann’s personality
about, but would also contribute to the new, more universal ways of
retribution of the Holocaust in later decades.
remembrance and nature of the Holocaust after the ‘Silent Fifties’ in Europe.
This article studies the interpretation of this trial by the Dutch novelist Harry
Mulisch. It contextualizes his work in the remembrance of the Holocaust in
postwar Europe and compares it with the most famous and controversial
understanding of the trial, that of Hannah Arendt—who stated that she and
Mulisch shared main conclusions. This article nuances her statement and
argues that Mulisch viewed the trial primarily as a novelist. His empathetic
approach helped not only to bring a better understanding of Eichmann’s personality
about, but would also contribute to the new, more universal ways of
retribution of the Holocaust in later decades.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 133-146 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Journal of War & Culture Studies |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- Specialized histories (international relations, law)
- Literary theory, analysis and criticism
- Culturele activiteiten
- Overig maatschappelijk onderzoek