War Literature and Collective Memory: The Other’s Perspective in Anthropology

Abstract

Collective memory has long been a central concern in disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology. Since Maurice Halbwachs first proposed the concept of collective memory, the boundaries of this research field have continually expanded. Its theories have been cross-culturally tested and increasingly integrated across disciplines. Among them, the intersection of literature and anthropology has garnered particular attention. This article explores the construction of collective memory within war literature. Focusing on the role of historical memory, it examines how memory shapes culture and identity through the lens of anthropology. Using war narratives as a point of entry, the study highlights the constructive nature of memory and its sociocultural implications for identity formation.