ABSTRACT
Literature has formed consensus and swayed popular opinion throughout history. Such manipulation can be either intentional or accidental. Calculated infl uence is seen in the creation and propagation of the “imagined political community,” or the nation through a master narrative. 1 Spontaneous inducement is found in the spread and perpetuation of urban legends as truth. 2 Whether intended or not, these types of persuasion are effective and underscore a crucial function of literature, the consolidation of authority or truth, which becomes self-validating in the course of the narrative. 3
During times of crisis or social upheaval, public opinion requires massaging for the governing authorities to maintain power, all the more so in the face of mis-governance or neglect of the people’s welfare. Michel Foucault argued that power exists in a circular relationship with the “truth,” and “‘truth’ is understood as a system of ordered procedures for the production, regulation, distribution, circulation, and operation of statements.” 4 By creating “truths” through such statements, ruling elites are able to maintain their grip on the populace, control their actions, and manipulate their behaviors in a manner benefi cial to the rulers. One means to create “truths” is with didactic literature that helps shape the beliefs, actions, and history of a people.
