Political novel

Political fiction employs narrative to comment on political events, systems and theories. Works of political fiction, such as political novels, often "directly criticize an existing society or present an alternative, even fantastic, reality." It overlaps with the social novel, proletarian novel and social science fiction. Highly influential earlier works include Gulliver's Travels (1726), Candide (1759), and Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852).

Political fiction frequently employs satire, often in the utopian and dystopian genres. This includes the totalitarian dystopias of the early 20th century, such as Jack London's The Iron Heel and Sinclair Lewis' It Can't Happen Here.

Greek playwright Aristophanes' plays are known for their political and social satire particularly his criticism of the powerful Cleon in plays such as The Knights. He is also notable for the persecution he underwent. Aristophanes' plays turned upon images of filth and disease. His bawdy style was adopted by Greek dramatist-comedian Menander, whose early play Drunkenness contains an attack on the politician Callimedon.

Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal (1729), is an eighteenth century Juvenalian satirical essay in 1729, where he suggests that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food for rich gentlemen and ladies. This satirical hyperbole mocks heartless attitudes towards the poor, as well as British policy toward the Irish in general.

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