10 Books That Challenged Society

When Literature Does Not Keep Silent

Literature has always been deeply interconnected with society. It reflects the beauty and the ugliness, the virtues and the shortcomings of society. Nevertheless, some books and authors go beyond mere reflection and try to change society for the better. They unveil suppressed truths, show the position of the oppressed and, sometimes, change centuries-old social norms.

From blackening the reputation of their characters’ race to unveiling the horrifying truth that had been covered by silence, these authors managed to voice what many people had kept unspoken for too long. The list below includes ten such books that have left notable marks on the history of social issues.

1. Uncle Tom’s Cabin – Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852)

Stowe’s portrayal of slavery and travelling through the South affected public opinion and fuelled the abolitionist movement in the United States.

2. The Jungle – Upton Sinclair (1906)

Sinclair wrote about the inhuman working conditions and the lack of regulation in the meat industry. He showed how insignificant workers were to their bosses, which led to the development of the food inspection laws.

3. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood (1985)

Atwood’s depiction of totalitarianism and feminism in a dystopian setting allows the readers to witness the horrific results of patriarchy and sexism.

4. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee (1960)

Lee’s presentation of the racially prejudiced American South challenged the audience to look at the familiar world with new eyes. The book raised many questions about the justice system in the United States.

5. 1984 – George Orwell (1949)

This anti-utopian novel depicts the dystopian world of a totalitarian regime and helps the readers understand how such governments operate.

6. The Colour Purple – Alice Walker (1982)

Walker wrote about the gruesome reality of African Americans, especially women, and the lack of rights afforded to black people in the past. She voiced the pain, the anger and the hope of Celie, one of the main protagonists.

7. Things Fall Apart – Chinua Achebe (1958)

Achebe’s Things Fall Apart introduced white readers to African life and culture. It also showed the impact of colonial invasion on African society.

8. The God of Small Things – Arundhati Roy (1997)

This novel depicts the caste system in India and showcases how cruel people can be when following the social rules set by society.

9. The Awakening – Kate Chopin (1899)

Chopin wrote about the restrained position of women in male-dominated society. Her main character resisted the pressure of her family and society to conform and follow societal rules.

10. The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas (2017)

Thomas’s novel depicts the reality of the black youth in the United States. It shows how the seemingly insignificant everyday racism affects people and what it leads to in the long term.

The Stories That Last Beyond the Final Page

The books mentioned above were written in different countries and eras; they belong to different genres and authors. Nevertheless, they have one feature in common – they question the status quo. Some stories depict the results of suppressed rights and restricted freedoms. Others expose the truth that was previously ignored. All of them allow the readers to see the world differently and make their own conclusions. It is impossible to say that one book can solve all the social issues. However, art can give people an opportunity to care about something beyond themselves, empathise with others and question the established norms.

References

https://www.bl.uk/collection-guides/discovering-literature

https://www.neh.gov/