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Revolutionary Classics

By Megan Powell, Magali Prel and Monique Smith 


Revolution: “A radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure, especially one made suddenly and often accompanied by violence; An overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed.” 


The above quote from Dictionary.com encapsulates the core parts of humanity: revolution and change. Since humans first walked the earth and established the first settlements, towns and cities, revolution has been a constant in our history. Cultural, industrial, scientific and, of course, political. Revolutions have shaped our present and will continue to shape our future as we continuously strive for our dreams of utopia.


In this issue, we travel across the globe, from the picturesque cities and countryside of France to the enchanting and colour-filled lands of India and into the vastness of Russia. We explore some of classic literature’s tales of great change and revolution.


Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

Midnight’s Children is a 1981 magical realism, historiographic and metafiction novel by Indian British author Salman Rushdie. It is a post-colonial story about India’s transition from British colonial rule to independence and partition.


The story is told in three parts, covering the lead-up to the end of British colonial rule in India, the independence and partition of India and the period shortly afterwards. It is narrated by the protagonist, Saleem Sinai, who was born at the exact moment when India became an independent country. He later discovers that all children born in India during the first hour of independence are imbued with special powers.


Rushdie’s innovative use of magic realism allows the story to traverse multiple genres and styles of storytelling, encompassing a wide spectrum of emotions. Midnight’s Children has been called a “watershed” novel in terms of the post-colonial development of Indian English literature. Upon its release, it was well-received, winning both the Booker Prize and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1981. It later went on to win the Booker Prize twice more, in 1993 and 2008.


Often listed as one of the greatest books of the 20th century, Midnight’s Children is, without a doubt, well on its way to becoming a landmark work in post-colonial and post-modern literature.


Animal Farm by George Orwell


Animal Farm is a novel by British author George Orwell, first published in 1945. Many of Orwell’s works reflect social and political criticism, particularly in response to the rise of totalitarian regimes during his time. Renowned for his works of social and political criticism, Orwell wrote Animal Farm as a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution of 1917, which saw Russia abolish its monarchy by overthrowing Tsar Nicholas II. 


At the heart of the novel is the story of a group of farm animals who revolt against their human farmer in hopes of creating an egalitarian society. To distinguish themselves from the humans and promote equality, the animals create seven commandments. Over time, however, the pigs gradually gain more power over the other animals. Suspicion grows among the other animals as they observe the pigs’ increasing control, and they start questioning whether this system is truly egalitarian. Eventually, this ‘idyllic’ system of equality starts to fall apart as the pigs gain more power whilst the other animals suffer under their rule.


During the Russian Revolution, the working class experienced many economic hardships, with propaganda promising a better life becoming widespread under Stalin’s regime. In writing Animal Farm, Orwell critiques how misinformation can manipulate the ordinary masses and lead to oppression. The novel serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of propaganda and unchecked power.


The Glass-Blowers by Daphne du Maurier 


Published in 1963, The Glass-Blowers by Daphne du Maurier combines historical fiction with her formidable talent, following the Bussons, a French family of the titular profession throughout the French Revolution (1789-1799). Loosely inspired by du Maurier’s personal family history, a successful family of glassblowers navigates the events of the revolution as well as familial turmoil and exile. At the start of the uprising, the eldest son flees to England due to his allegiance with the aristocracy, while the rest of the family remains in France. Charting the unsteady discourse throughout the country, du Maurier explores the varied circumstances the remaining of the Busson family members face. Following the end of the revolution, Robert returns to France, only to be greeted with hostility from the son he abandoned.  


By delving into the experiences of the Bussons before, during and after the revolution, du Maurier sparks equal intrigue and excitement with moments of heartbreak following the family’s highs and lows. Her detailed descriptions bring each family member to life, intertwining their personal struggles with the intricate craft of glassblowing. Fueled by the realism of du Maurier’s family, the novel provides a deeply personal perspective on the French Revolution, capturing the triumphs and trials of the Bussons on their journey.


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