How did World War I affect the subjects and style of Flemish literature?

World War I significantly transformed Flemish literature by shifting the focus of the post-war generation from romanticism toward a more grounded realism. This period also saw the emergence of revolutionary Expressionism, which prioritized ethics over aesthetics and emphasized the art of the community over that of the individual.1

The war's impact on style and subject matter manifested in several ways:

• Expressionist Innovation: Expressionism became a dominant force in lyrical poetry and drama. Figures like Paul van Ostaijen experimented with "rhythmic typography" and visually expressive forms, eventually moving toward "pure poetry" and grotesque verse.1
• Theatrical Revitalization: The movement breathed new life into drama, establishing the Flemish Popular Theatre as a leading avant-garde force in Europe, with Herman Teirlinck playing a pivotal role in improving performance and playwriting standards.1
• Shift in Prose: By 1930, the regional novel began to be supplanted by the psychological novel, which explored human complexity and social, religious, and moral problems through more forceful, colloquial styles.1

These developments marked a departure from earlier regional tales, moving toward a more skeptical and analytical observation of human nature.1