Masters Thesis

Selimović's peaceful war (Bosnia's memory, fortified)

In this thesis, I will discuss The Fortress, a novel written by the Bosnian and Herzegovinian author Mehmed Selimovic. With the help of Tolstoy's War and Peace, I will reflect upon the subject of history and questions that so influenced Selimovic: what is history, who writes it and what purpose does it serve. Additionally, I will also look at the author's understanding of history as an incomplete truth and simply, as a reaction to our present situation. Selimovic's use of Bosnia's architecture and folklore further illustrate how cultural identities are born in reaction to historical events. The author's message is one of peace and love. More than that, The Fortress explains the author's own belief in the power of choice, with a larger message that, as historical actors, we can choose peace and love. Ultimately, Selimovic is proposing that even in the most oppressive of societies, there exists the idea of a personal choice.

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