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Anti-war essays, poems, short stories and literary excerpts
American writers on peace and against war
Nathanael West: Every defeat is a victory in a war of attrition
Nathanael West: Not their fault, they thought they had bombed a hospital
Nathanael West: One live recruit is better than a dozen dead veterans
Nathanael West: They haven’t the proper military slant
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Nathanael West
From Good Hunting (1938)
THOMPSON
(Into transmitter – ad libs)
‘Lo, Crecy…Paris, please…Grenoble…Paris…American Press.
RUSSO
(Slipping Thompson a bill)
Here’s your five.
THOMPSON
You said ten.
RUSSO
You’ll take five – or I’ll charge you with accepting a bribe.
THOMPSON
But you’re giving it to me!
RUSSO
I’m a war correspondent, I’m immune.
***
SIR ARTHUR
(Sternly)
I know your troops are tired…But I will brook no delay. I demand superhuman efforts. Attacks!
HARGREAVES
Yes, sir…but…but…
SIR ARTHUR
Damn it, man! stop mumbling! We attack tomorrow, that’s final! Lloyd George and his committee were with us all week. They’re having plenty of trouble with the Colonies and the draft. An election is approaching – victories mean votes! This has to be kept a popular war.
HARGREAVES
I don’t underestimate the importance of victories – but –
SIR ARTHUR
(Cutting him short)
A decisive one right now will encourage America. Their bankers are beginning to worry about the money they’re lending us.
***
JERVAIS
(Ferociously)
The enemy must be exterminated – man, woman and child!
(With mounting hysteria, surprising in such a mild looking gent)
Torn out, root and branch. Slaughtered! Annihilated! Their cities must run with blood. Their brains must be dashed out! Their hearts plucked quivering from their bodies!
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