The Intersection of Politics and English Literature

"What I have most wanted to do throughout the past ten years is to make political writing into an art. My starting point is always a feeling of partisanship, a sense of injustice. When I sit down to write a book, I do not say to myself, “I am going to produce a work of art.” I write it because there is some lie that I want to expose, some fact to which I want to draw attention, and my initial purpose is to get a hearing."

— “Why I Write”

by George Orwell 

Introduction:

Literature and English Literature particularly has always played a significant role in political commentary. It has been used as a medium to express opinions, criticize government actions, and comment on society. The intersection of politics and Literature particularly  has been evident throughout history, and this article aims to explore this connection.

Literature as Political Commentary:

The use of literature as a means of political commentary has been prevalent throughout history. Several works of literature have been used to express political opinions and influence society. Writers often use literary devices such as satire and allegory to convey political messages. Works like George Orwell's "1984" and "Animal Farm" have become important commentaries on totalitarianism, and their impact on society continues to be felt.

We can take a special note on George Orwell's "1984". It is a dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society where the government uses language to control people's thoughts and behaviors. One of the key components of this language control is the use of Newspeak, a language designed to limit people's ability to express dissenting ideas and promote the ruling party's ideology. Newspeak achieves this by eliminating words that convey opposing concepts, limiting the range of thought and communication. This ultimately leads to the erosion of freedom of thought and the individual's ability to resist oppressive authority. Newspeak is used throughout the book by the citizens of Oceania and explained in detail in an appendix. The language is derived from Standard English and will go through many versions over the years until it reaches its final version in the year 2050. The 1984 version, however, still bears a strong resemblance to English. So its a language politics too. 

It's clear that "Animal Farm" was influenced by Orwell's political beliefs. He believed that emerging political systems could replace poverty with a false sense of security, which was really just social and economic servitude. Orwell was committed to preserving intellectual freedom, and he recognized the dangers of sacrificing this ideal to government control. By the end of the decade, his primary concern was finding the best way to convey this message to others. Most people identify Animal Farm as a satire on totalitarian communism and Joseph Stalin's dictatorship.

Political Themes in Literature:

Several political themes can be found in literature, and they have been used to explore political issues and inspire social change. Totalitarianism and authoritarianism, war and peace, social justice and equality, power and corruption, and freedom and individualism are some of the common political themes found in literature. Works such as "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley and "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood explore these themes and their impact on society. 

In 1932, the influential English writer Aldous Huxley published his most famous novel, "Brave New World". He portrayed a society of the future where people gave up their freedom for a false sense of happiness induced by drugs. Huxley's novel is reminiscent of Thomas More's "Utopia", published back in 1516, where the depiction of the future serves as a criticism of the present. 

Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" is a powerful story told by Offred, the protagonist who shares her experiences as a Handmaid living in the Republic of Gilead, a society run by radical Christian fundamentalists. In this dystopian world, women are relegated to the status of breeders, and Offred struggles to survive and resist against the oppressive regime. The novel's strength lies not only in its feminist ideology but also in the depth and complexity of its characters. The male characters are multi-dimensional, with one willing to fight against the government while the other struggles to reconcile his position in the male-dominated society. The female characters, although oppressed, are not portrayed as weak and powerless victims. Through Offred's narration, readers gain insight into the horrors of this totalitarian regime and the resilience of those who fight for freedom and equality.

Literature as a Reflection of Society:

Literature often reflects society, and writers use their works to highlight social issues, comment on social norms, and criticize societal structures. Works like "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens and "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen are examples of literature reflecting Victorian societal norms and expectations.

Charles Dickens wrote "Oliver Twist" not just to expose social problems like the workhouse system, the inadequacies of the legal system, and the devastating effects of poverty, but also to delve into the human condition. Despite the larger societal issues at play, Dickens's ultimate focus is on the individual characters. He champions the virtues of self-sacrifice, kindness, and compassion, highlighting the idea that personal fulfillment and societal advancement can only be achieved if individuals possess these qualities. In "Oliver Twist", readers witness the struggles of those living in poverty and the power of charity and benevolence in improving the lives of the less fortunate. Through Dickens's depiction of these individuals, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and the potential for positive change in the world when we prioritize the wellbeing of others.

In Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", there are no scenes of violence or explicit content, but the class system still heavily influences who can marry or socialize with whom. Through the novel, we can observe various forms of class discrimination, such as social injustice and unrest, as well as limitations on aspirations. The story also highlights the inferior position of women in early nineteenth-century country life. The Bennet sisters cannot inherit their father's property and receive less education than males of the landed gentry. Women are expected to marry and cannot work, making them economically dependent on men. 'Success' is defined solely in terms of marriage and domestic affairs, and even within the home, the father holds ultimate authority over finances and decision-making. The fact that Elizabeth is viewed as 'rebellious' for questioning societal expectations is an indication of how restricted women were at the time. While the novel doesn't necessarily challenge these gender roles, it offers a glimpse into the realities of the era and reminds us of how far we've come in terms of gender equality.

Literature and Political Movements:

Literature has been an essential tool for political movements, inspiring social change, and encouraging political activism. Works like "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement in the United States, and "The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels influenced the socialist movement.

Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin", published in 1852, played a pivotal role in fueling antislavery sentiment in the United States. However, the novel also perpetuated stereotypes that persisted for many years. The characters include the "happy darky," a cheerful and carefree character who loves to dance, the dark-skinned "Mammy," a character who enjoys cooking, especially for white people, and the pious and loyal Uncle Tom, whose name has come to be associated with subservience. Through the use of melodrama and sentimentality, Stowe aimed to expose the immoralities of slavery. Although the novel's portrayal of African American characters was problematic, it did bring attention to the horrors of slavery and helped pave the way for change. Today, we can acknowledge the novel's faults while still recognizing its significance in the abolitionist movement and in shaping the course of American history.

Even though not directly a literary text, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels authored "The Communist Manifesto" in 1848, laying out the program for revolution for the League of the Communists. This international European society, which had a predominantly German membership, aimed to overthrow the exploiters and put an end to class struggle. The manifesto called for workers across the globe to unite and create a society based on scientific socialism. By doing so, the League hoped to create a fair and equal society that would benefit all, rather than just the ruling classes. The Communist Manifesto has become one of the most influential political texts in history, and its ideas continue to inspire movements and thinkers around the world today.

The Influence of Colonial Politics on Literature:

Politics has always influenced literature, and historical events and movements have shaped literary works and influenced their messages. Works like Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" reflect the impact of colonialism and imperialism on African societies. Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" was published in 1958, just before Nigeria gained independence from colonial rule. The novel focuses on precolonial Africa, and Achebe aimed to portray Nigerians as they truly were, rather than providing a shallow description like many other authors before him. The story is set in the typical tribal village of Umuofia, inhabited by the Ibo people (also known as the Igbo) who follow the rituals and customs of their native traditions. Through the novel, Achebe offers an insight into the complexity and richness of African culture, which had been overlooked and misrepresented in Western literature for far too long. "Things Fall Apart" has since become a classic in African literature and a significant work in the fight against cultural imperialism.

Literature and Political Communication:

Literature can be used as a means of political communication, conveying political messages to a wider audience and engaging readers in political discourse. Works like Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" played a significant role in the American Revolution and encouraged political engagement among the masses. When Thomas Paine published his pamphlet "Common Sense" in January 1776, he raised an important question: should a continent be ruled by an island? Most Americans who remained loyal to the British Crown, known as Loyalists, were in the minority and did not support the idea of maintaining ties with Great Britain.

The Role of Literature in Political Education:

Literature can be used as a tool for political education, teaching political concepts and encouraging critical thinking about political issues. Works like Plato's "Republic" have been used to teach political philosophy and inspire political activism in western world. Plato's "Republic" is a philosophical work presented in a dialogue form, which explores the nature of justice and the ideal organization of a society. The book advocates for an ideal state consisting of philosopher-kings, soldiers, and civilians, with the rulers exercising power in the service of justice and wisdom. The Republic emphasizes the rigorous intellectual training of future rulers and presents a fundamental analysis of metaphysical and scientific thought. It argues that an orderly and productive public life is the result of an enforced virtue and the true happiness of individuals. Plato reaffirmed his idealistic position by criticizing atheism and materialism while asserting his belief in the moral government of the universe and the immortality of the soul.

Conclusion:

The intersection of politics and English Literature has been significant throughout history. Literature has been used to express political opinions, comment on society, and inspire social change. It reflects societal norms and expectations and has been an essential tool for political movements and political education. The role of literature in politics is crucial, and exploring this connection further is essential for understanding the world around us.

Ardhendu De

References

1. MARKS. (2012). Literature and Politics: PUSHING THE WORLD IN CERTAIN DIRECTIONS. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, ISBN (10): 1-4438-3574-9, ISBN (13): 978-1-4438-3574-9.

2. PINSKER, S. (1997). MUSING ABOUT ORWELL’S ’POLITICS AND THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE’—50 YEARS LATER. The Virginia Quarterly Review, 73(1), 57–71. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26438987