The Necessity of Art in Jorge Semprun's L'écriture ou la vie

Abstract

In this autobiographical novel about his internment in Buchenwald, Semprun often alludes to Art. Firstly, former prisoners use the works by artists unconnected with the concentration camp as a reference when trying to portray their inconceivable experience. In this way, Art constitutes a nexus with Freedom, which allows them to endure their internment. Secondly, Art is also a doorway to Memory. Thirdly, we must mention the particular relation between totalitarianism and Art. Finally, we will see that, whether it be Art for Art’s sake, or in a more utilitarian way, life and artistic creation unite against death and dehumanization