The Interconnectedness of Humanity: English Literature’s Role in Combating Social Discrimination and Fostering Global Unity

Abstract

The principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—"The world is one family"—highlights the inherent interconnectedness of all humanity, urging global solidarity and social justice. English literature has long been a vehicle for addressing social discrimination and fostering unity by shedding light on the struggles of marginalized groups and critiquing societal injustices. From the early works of Charles Dickens, which exposed the plight of the poor in Victorian England, to the evocative poetry of Maya Angelou, which highlights racial and gender inequalities, English literature consistently challenges the status quo. Literary figures such as William Blake, Derek Walcott, and Arundhati Roy have used their works to deconstruct oppressive systems, urging readers to embrace a shared human experience over societal divisions. Through compelling narratives, these authors promote a collective vision of a just, inclusive world where social discrimination has no place. This paper explores how English literature, across three centuries, has persistently acted as a moral voice against social injustice and a force for human unity. Through a critical analysis of William Blake, Derek Walcott, and Arundhati Roy, the paper illustrates how literature has adapted to shifting historical contexts to challenge oppression—from industrial-era class exploitation to colonial legacies and modern democratic abuses of power. These authors, rooted in different geographies and centuries, collectively affirm the enduring capacity of literature to unite humanity through empathy and resistance. It asserts that literature not only reflects the social fabric but also serves as a catalyst for progressive change, urging humanity toward the interconnected, equitable future embodied in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.