ILN Journal: Indian Literary Narratives

Articles

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): ILN Journal: Indian Literary Narratives

War and its Impact on Children: A Study of Nosaka’s “Grave of the Fireflies”

Submitted
6 August 2026
Published
2026-09-30

Abstract

War is often seen through political and historical lenses, and very less attention is given to the consequences borne by one of the most helpless and the most vulnerable group, that is, the children. Akiyuki Nosaka’s “Grave of the Fireflies” (1967) gives a poignant portrayal of childhood suffering during wartime Japan. The story portrays two children who become orphans, solely due to war; and how the rest of the society becomes indifferent to their sufferings. This paper studies the psychological, physical and social impact of war on children, focusing on themes of loss, neglect, and survival in an indifferent society. Through the characters of Seita and Setsuko, the story portrays war as a tragedy that dismantles innocence, in a failing societal structure.

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