Question

Although the story is fiction, it is based on real events in Alsace after the Franco-Prussian War. Consider the effects of the war on the lives of the everyday people in this town. How does war change people? Is it ever for the better? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

Answer 1

War generally leads to drastic changes in people's lives, often through loss, displacement, and societal upheaval. Literature and art depict these effects vividly. While war usually brings hardship, there are rare instances where it can lead to necessary societal changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

War significantly alters lives and its effects on people largely depend on the circumstances and the individual's perspective. The Franco-Prussian War affected the lives of everyday people in several ways. For instance, it might have led to loss of lives, displacement, and a drastic change in their lifestyle. Literature often explores these themes; a prime example is Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, which presents the narrative of an American ambulance driver in the Italian army and his passion for a beautiful English nurse. The story portrays how war changes people and impacts relationships.

However, it's also worth considering that war, in some rare instances, can lead to positive outcomes. For instance, it could bring about societal changes or revolution that was necessary. An example in art is Picasso's Guernica, which, reflecting the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, played a role in raising international awareness about the conflict. As for personal experiences, they might vary greatly; someone who was a soldier might have a completely different view of war compared to someone who suffered the adverse effects of it innocently.

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