Literature: The Greatest Political Movement of All Time
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Authors
Pace, Chloe
Issue Date
2025-04-03
Type
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
There have been several political movements throughout history; however, literature has always
been involved in uplifting voices. The true power that words and ideas have on people from
sparking feelings of hope, anguish, and resentment; it seems fitting that literature would be
around for so long and resonate with so many people. Literature is also able to act as a catalyst
for change through it being able to withstand the test of time and cross international borders. The human voice is able to convey the reality of people. In recent years, reading has been highly
politicized and people believe that the act of reading and writing can be political. The truth is that literature has always been political. From the publication of the Federalist Papers, throughout the Harlem Renaissance, and George Orwell’s dystopian narratives, there are clear political intentions behind every word on every page. Furthermore, Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong’o’s decision to publish his pieces of literature that discuss colonialism and identity in his native language
Gikuyu with the knowledge that his works will be barred from prestigious literary awards is a
powerful display of how the language used to write the novel is a powerful statement. Literature has always been and will always be a powerful force for change and the narratives written will withstand the test of time, leaving a record of the tool to convey the shortcomings of society and a driver for transformation. This paper examines the many uses of literature as a form of protest throughout American history and the power behind the voices that wrote the stories.