The Soldier's Return

What is it about?

This article looks at two literary representations of French veterans of the First World War (one by Roland Dorgelès, the other by Drieu la Rochelle). Both reveal in different ways the problematic and limited reintegration of veterans into postwar society, their continuing rancour with the civilian population (particularly women) and a nostalgia for combat that, whilst politically motivated in the case of Drieu, is perhaps more pervasive than has been previously acknowledged.

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Why is it important?

This article complicates our understanding of French veterans as essentially pacifists and supporters of a return to the Republican status quo.