Revolution is no foreign word in relation to literature, in fact, it has become so embedded into literary texts that most pieces are a form of resistance on their own. The most brilliant tales enact an attack on the corrupt, a written demonstration against their abuse of power. Many famous pieces have broached the topic of rebellion, including Animal Farm, The Handmaid’s Tale, Fahrenheit 451, Les Misérables and the ubiquitous Hunger Games Trilogy; a euphony of powerful voices against a backdrop of deceit.
The Hunger Games is a well-known franchise in 2026 with the latest book being published only a year ago. This dystopian world curated by Suzanne Collins appears to be a distant society when in reality, it mirrors our own. Whilst the Hunger Games don’t exist literally, the political manoeuvres Panem uses to assert authority are reticent of the politics which govern our world today. “I’m more than just a piece in their games,” a remark from Peeta which ultimately reminds us that nothing is guaranteed when the elite hold all the cards. In the Hunger Games, resistance appears insufficient at the start but evolves into a collective fight, demonstrating the imbalance of power between the mob and the ruler.
Animal Farm is another written protest against the undeniable inequality that underlies our society. The novel itself is a reflection on the Russian Revolution and a criticism of its leaders, ultimately suggesting that rebellion can be fruitless if not executed correctly. In the story, the animals who fought against the control of the farmers find themselves faced with an equally troubling leadership, presenting a cyclical ending and a continuity of their constrictions, materialised through a physical ‘farm.’ The famous quote “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” highlights the absurdity of privilege and questions the assumption of status. George Orwell implies that power corrupts all who possess it and how fighting against one tyranny can inadvertently lead to the birth of another if not addressed appropriately.
Resistance and rebellion in literature can be as nuanced as an allegory using farm animals who share human ambition for dominance. Alternatively, it can be as striking as the collapse of the Capitol, both ends of the scale reiterate resistance amongst the people. Rebellion is consistently used as a catalyst for change in literature, regardless of the era.
Illustration by Erin for The Student.
