Examples of Political Commentary in World Literatures

By Jake Chansky

For my final project, I am presenting some important pieces of literature throughout human history which engage in political and intellectual thought through storytelling, similar to Socrates' political commentary in Antigone. Across most of history, literature has been the primary way to diffuse ideas and information. As with any other facet of society, it played a key role in the political and social formation of every culture. Some of the most impactful political texts, however, are based in narration and stories rather than taking a direct approach to the subject matter. My goal is to create links between some tremendously influencial texts, both Eastern and Western, modern and ancient. 

Greek dramas were well known to invite Athenian citizens to think critically about key political issues of their time. Antigone was no exception, exploring the role of government and its roles relative to the citizenry and to the gods. By navigating to the tab labeled "Antigone", you can read more about politics in the Greek world.

Traveling elsewhere in space and time, I will cover works from ancient India, middle ages China, colonial South America, early to modern Europe, and even 20th century United States. Make sure to check below for additional information to guide you through this report. Alternatively, selecting each record in order beginning at Antigone will provide a clear picture. Thank you for reading, and enjoy! 

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Map and Timeline key:

Antigone:

Icons and timeline colored LIGHT BLUE

Location: Theatre of Dionysus, the performance site for all greek tragedy's and other dramas..

Timeline: First performed in 441 BC

Mahabharata:

Icons and timeline colored ORANGE

Location: Mana Village, where many of the stories were thought to be compiled. North and central India, where the stories and battles took place.

Timeline: Compiled and published 400 BC - 400 CE. Events recounted thought to have taken place 3000 BC - 800 BC.

The First New Chronicle and Good Government: On the History of the World and the Incas up to 1615:

Icons and timeline colored GREEN

Location: Peru where the text is based and written, Spain where the text was sent to inform the royalty of their grievances, Royal Danish Library where the text is kept now.

Timeline: Text completed and published in roughly 1615.

Journey to the West:

Icons and Timeline colored YELLOW

Location: Published in the city of Xi'an. Line shows the route that Tang Sanzang and his animal companions traveled on.

Timeline: Published in 1592, story set in roughly the 8th century CE.

I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang:

Icons and timeline colored RED

Location: Georgia and Chicago, where the movie was set.

Timeline: Film published in 1932.