Dallas Weaver 1

History 1700, Hoskisson, Term Paper

Effects of History on Literature

I believe one lasting effect history has left on society is within the artistic community.
Citing examples such as Shakespeares Julius Caesar, Picassos Guernica, plus the works of
Classic American Authors such as Hemmingway, Fitzgerald, and Cheever. Out of these one
author in particular stands out, Octavia E. Butler. As an African American female author, who
matured during the civil rights movement of the mid twentieth century, and the cold war, she
brings a unique perspective to the literary world. I will be discussing one of her works
specifically and, how much historical parallelism is contained within it.
Parable of the Talents is one of her final works. Although this novel is based in the
future, it encompasses many themes throughout history. The first of which is the Antebellum
era Which is shown in the novel through a memory, as someone reminiscing about a more
simple time before an apocalyptic war ravaged the content. Among the reasons for a build up to
war, sociological, political, and economic crisiss, to name a few. I have watched education
become more a privilege of the rich than the basic necessity it must be if a civilized society is to
survive I have watched poverty, hunger, and disease become inevitable for more and more
people. (Butler, 8) In this paragraph of reading she also references the industrial revolution and
monopoly style businesses ruining the surrounding area leading to the disease and hunger of the
common people, which ultimately leads to the secession of Alaska, putting America on the brink
of another civil war.
Later on in there are inferences of a major economic down turn, followed with stories of
displaced, nomadic, vagabonds, like those seen with the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
Even descriptions of areas that resemble Hoovervilles are peppered throughout the writing.

Dallas Weaver 2
History 1700, Hoskisson, Term Paper

When coupled with the presence of organized crime, prohibited drugs, and a resurgence of
slavery; the first few chapters of this book have an uncanny comparison to post war, and early
twentieth century America.
After receiving the background of the environment that her current story takes place in,
things move forward but, still highlight key points in Americas past. The community celebrates
a yearly holiday, known as Arrival Day, where they celebrate the first THIRTEEN founders of
their community. Even as things begin to calm down in the area where the story takes place, a
militant group of religious tunic wearing zealots, resembling something a kin to the KKK, starts
burning down communities in the area. All of which is connected to a movement led by a former
religious leader; who is running for president, and basing his entire campaign off of xenophobia,
and hate of the unknown.
This man that has many, Hitleresque qualities, and a majority of his followers are
convinced that witches exist and must be hunted down. In this portion the book the author does
not attempt to hide her historical references, pointing back to early colonial America she cites a
rampant lack of knowledge and illiteracy has led many people to repeat history.
Octavia Butler is one of the best writers in recent memory. I believe that to be a
culmination not only of her unique perspective as being an African American female author, but
also to the fact that she grew up during a tumultuous time in the country. In her youth she
wouldve been exposed to acts of segregation and disenfranchisement, then living a life that is
almost in complete contrast to her childhood. History has definitely left a lasting effect on this
author and her literature.

Dallas Weaver 3
History 1700, Hoskisson, Term Paper

Works Cited
Butler, Octavia (1998) Parable of the Talents, Grand Central Publishing, New York, NY