Unseen Prose: Typicality Timeline

Post-war trauma and existential angst - Reflecting on the immense loss and devastation caused by World War II, literature during this period often explored themes of trauma, disillusionment, and the existential search for meaning in a world that had witnessed unprecedented horrors.

The rise of television - As television became a major source of entertainment and information, it influenced literary works by introducing new narrative forms and bringing visual storytelling to a wider audience, impacting how stories were told and consumed.

Exploration of war trauma and loss - The end of WWII brought about a period of reflection in literature, with many works focusing on the psychological scars left by the war, the moral questions it raised, and the impact of the conflict on individual and collective identities.

The Cuban Missile Crisis - The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, which influenced literature by infusing it with themes of fear, political tension, and the fragility of human existence under the threat of global annihilation.

Countercultural movements and social upheaval - The 1960s were marked by significant social change, with literature reflecting the era's rebellious spirit, challenging traditional norms, and advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and anti-war sentiments.

The Civil Rights Movement - The Civil Rights Movement, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., profoundly influenced literature by addressing issues of racial inequality, justice, and human rights, inspiring works that sought to expose and challenge systemic racism.

Personal computers - The rise of personal computers revolutionised not only daily life but also literature, as writers began to explore themes related to technology, digital culture, and the implications of the emerging digital age on human identity and society.

Punk - Punk music, with its raw, rebellious energy and critique of the status quo, influenced literature by inspiring works that embraced a DIY ethos, challenged societal norms, and explored themes of disenchantment and resistance.

The Watergate Scandal - The Watergate Scandal, which led to President Nixon's resignation, influenced literature by highlighting themes of political corruption, the loss of public trust in government, and the complexities of power and morality.

The internet - The widespread adoption of the internet transformed communication, commerce, and information dissemination, leading literature to explore the implications of a hyper-connected world, digital identity, and the impact of technology on human relationships.

Emphasis on global political recalibration and new world orders - The end of the Cold War shifted global dynamics, prompting literature to explore themes of geopolitical change, the search for new identities in a unipolar world, and the aftermath of decades of ideological conflict.

The 9/11 attacks - The 9/11 attacks had a profound impact on global politics and culture, leading literature to address themes of terrorism, security, cultural clash, and the complex interplay between freedom and fear in a post-9/11 world.

The COVID-19 pandemic - The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life and global interactions, influencing literature to explore themes of isolation, resilience, societal fragility, and the profound changes brought about by a global health crisis.

Fridays for Future - Led by Greta Thunberg, Fridays for Future brought global attention to climate change, influencing literature to reflect on environmental issues, the urgency of sustainability, and the intergenerational struggle for ecological justice.

Populism - The rise of populism, characterised by leaders and movements challenging established political elites and institutions, influenced literature to explore themes of nationalism, identity politics, and the polarisation of societies.

Reshaped public discourse and narrative styles - The ubiquity of social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok transformed how people communicate and share stories, leading literature to explore the dynamics of digital interaction, virtual identities, and the impact of social media on truth and authenticity.