The concept of democracy has been consistently addressed in literature, dating back to the works of Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. Democracy itself is a governmental structure which acts in the interests of and represents the wider population. Politics has adapted over time, but the core principle of democracy — rule by the people — remains unchanged.
In Ancient Rome, Cicero, a political figure, wrote about the key requirements for a successful government. In his book On the Republic, he considers how democracy is in essence mob rule and can be disorderly if not focused politically. He believed that legal order should be applied to everyone indiscriminately based on natural law, and saw the ideal form of government as a combination of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy to stabilise power. He theorised that certain members of society possess ideal leadership qualities, specifically with virtuous and moral intention.
By the 18th century discussions had accelerated, which is evident in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s text, The Social Contract, where he proposes that elites should rule in the interest of citizens. He suggests that sovereignty resides in the people and they grant power, meaning they can easily take it away. “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains” emphasises the corruption of social hierarchies, and provides a vivid image of oppression for readers. His writing contributed to debates during the Enlightenment, posing a challenge to traditional authority. Rousseau believed it would be detrimental to society to give the elite power because they would only act in the interest of themselves. Rousseau’s writings were widely discussed in relation to questioning absolute power and his work gave a voice to the French revolutionists and legitimised a radical change in politics.
Another key Enlightenment writer is Mary Wollstonecraft, who published A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, in which she criticised the limited education for women and the domestic expectations they were subjected to. She campaigned for greater inclusion of females in society and access to politics, reinforcing the democratic concept of political inclusion. “All the sacred rights of humanity are violated by insisting on blind obedience.”
These pieces of literature established the foundations for democracy today, and continue to influence political understanding. Their texts heavily influenced their readers and challenged existing beliefs, subverting the way in which many previously thought. Literature is a powerful weapon for instigating radical change both politically and socially.
