Literature has always been more than storytelling; it reflects the deeper truths of society, especially during times of political unrest. When governments become oppressive, when wars tear nation apart, or when colonial powers rewrite histories, literature gives voice to those who are affected.
It allows writers to express resistance, raise awareness, and preserve culture. Through fiction and drama literature holds up a mirror to political turmoil and challenges readers to reflect on issues of power, identity, and justice
This blog dives into five powerful literary works – George Orwell’s 1948, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Bertolt Brecht’s Mother courage and Her children and Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children.
Each of these texts reflects the political conditions of its time and offers unique insight into how individuals and societies respond to upheaval.
Orwell’s 1948: The danger of totalitarian control
George Orwell’s 1948 is one of the most famous warnings against oppressive government control. In the world of the novel, the Party uses surveillance, censorship, and fear to keep citizens obedient. Winston Smith, the main character, dares to think for himself and is punished for it.
Orwell was inspired by real historical regimes, such as Stalin’s Soviet Union and Hitler’s Nazi Germany. He saw how truth could be manipulated and wanted to warn future generations about the danger of totalitarianism.
Orwell’s work highlights how governments can use language, fear, and false history to stay in power. This novel remains relevant today in discussions about mass surveillance, propaganda, and freedom of thought.
Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale: Control of the body and voice
Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale imagines a future where women are reduced to their reproductive roles in a society ruled by religious extremists.
Ouffred, the main character, struggles to hold onto her sense of identity in a world where women cannot read, own property, or make decisions for them. Atwood based the events in the novel on real situations in history and around the world.
According to Eileen Flanagan’s take on the book, Atwood wanted to readers to see how quickly rights can be taken away when society stops paying attention. The novel serves as a call to action for women’s rights and political freedom.
Achebe’s Things Fall Apart: The impact of colonial rule
In Thing Fall apart, Nigerian author Chinua Achebe tells the story of Okonkwo, a strong Igbo leader whose life changes forever when British colonizers arrive.
The novel shows the beauty and structure of traditional Igbo society before colonialism disrupted it. Achebe wanted to give Africans a voice in their history and correct the way colonial writers had described Africa.
Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children: The business of War
Bertolt Brecht’s play Mother Courage and Her children is set during the Thirty years’ war, but it message is timeless. The story follows a woman who profits from war by selling goods to soldiers, but she ends up losing all three of her children.
Brecht wanted to show that war is not just about fighting. It’s about money, exploitation, and survival.
Brecht used a method called “epic theatre” to keep audience from becoming too emotional. He wanted people to think critically about the play and ask why war happens and who benefits from it. The play is powerful critique of how war affects the poor while profiting the powerful.
Rushdie’s Midnight’s children: Personal stories in political times
Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children connects personal history with national history. The novel tells the story of Saleem Sinai, who is born at the exact moment India gains independence in 1947.
Saleem’s life mirrors key political events in India’s history, including partition, war, and dictatorship. Rushdie uses magical realism to explore how identity is shaped by politics and how history affects the individual.
Dilip Barad notes that Midnight’s Children gives a voice to those who lived through colonialism and political violence. Rushdie uses storytelling as a form of resistance, helping readers understand how national events shape personal lives.
These five works are more than just great stories. They help us see how literature responds to political chaos and gives a voice to oppression, and resistance shape human lives in different contexts and times.
Literature holds a mirror to society. In moments of political turmoil, that mirror becomes even more important. It allows us to reflect, to understand, and sometimes to act.
Arshad Ali
Arshad Ali is a student of International Relations and an English language instructor. With an interest in international affairs, diplomacy, and literature, he positions himself as a dynamic voice in both education and global discourse.
