Introduction
Welcome to Voices Unbound: Global Narratives of Struggle and Justice, an Open Educational Resource (OER), that invites readers on a literary journey spanning over four centuries of world literature. This anthology was designed to broaden horizons, challenge perceptions, and inspire a deeper understanding of the fight for social justice through the lens of diverse literary genres. This collection curates works in realism, satire, feminism, modernism, surrealism, magical realism, and post-colonialism, offering a vibrant tapestry of voices and stories.
Voices Unbound is more than just a title; it is a mission. This book liberates and amplifies voices that have historically been marginalized, silenced, or oppressed. Through a selection of poems, plays, videos, and stories, it explores the powerful narratives of individuals and communities from various parts of the world, each contributing uniquely to the global dialogue on justice and human rights. The works selected not only reflect the struggle for liberation and equality but also celebrate the resilience and creativity of the human spirit.
The chapter on realism provides stark, unadorned looks at the human condition. In the satire chapter, readers will find sharp, often humorous critiques of societal norms that provoke thought about the absurdities of the world. The feminism chapter voices the demands and dreams of gender equality, while modernism and surrealism break conventional forms and perceptions, challenging readers to see beyond the visible. Magical realism brings the enchantment of the supernatural into the very real struggles for justice, blending the mystical with the mundane in compelling narratives. Finally, the post-colonialism chapter offers critical insights into the impacts of colonial histories and the ongoing fights for cultural sovereignty and identity.
According to the Urban Dictionary, realism is defined as a Form of art or literature where something is "real"; Expressing realistic emotions or actions
In his essay about realism, the girl killed herself after learning about her evil step-father.
The artist's realism came through his work when he used textured canvas to paint a love scene.
According to Dictionary.com, satire is defined as a work of art, literature, or entertainment in which the folly and corruption of human beings, institutions, or social structures are exposed, denounced, or ridiculed:
The skit offended only those who didn’t recognize it as a political satire.
Did you notice that all the novels on her bookshelf were satires? Synonyms: travesty, parody, caricature, burlesque
According to dictionary.com, feminism is defined as an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women.
According to Wikipedia.org, modernism is defined as an early 20th-century movement in literature, visual arts, and music that emphasized experimentation, abstraction, and subjective experience.
According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, surrealism is defined as the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations
According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, magical realism is defined as a literary genre or style associated especially with Latin America that incorporates fantastic or mythical elements into otherwise realistic fiction.
According to Wikipedia, post colonialism is defined as the critical academic study of the cultural, political and economic legacy of colonialism and imperialism, focusing on the impact of human control and exploitation of colonized people and their lands.
