British Literature of the 1930s: A Turbulent Decade of Social and Political Upheaval
British Literature of the 1930s
Introduction
The 1930s in Great Britain was a decade marked by significant social, political, and economic upheaval. This turbulent backdrop had a profound impact on the literary landscape, shaping the themes, styles, and concerns of writers of the time.
The Shadow of Politics
As C. Wolfe aptly observed in his essay “The Leaning Tower” (1940), the political climate of the 1930s was impossible to ignore. The decade began with the Great Depression, which hit Britain hard, leading to mass unemployment and social unrest. The rise of fascism in Europe, with Hitler in Germany and Mussolini in Italy, further fueled anxieties. The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) became a focal point for many writers, who saw it as a battleground between democracy and fascism.
This politically charged atmosphere is evident in the works of many writers of the time. The collapse of the New York Stock Exchange in 1929 and the subsequent devaluation of the pound sterling in 1931 had a ripple effect on British society. The resulting economic downturn and the rise of aggressive political ideologies abroad created a sense of urgency and a need to address these pressing issues.
A Generation Forged in Crisis
Many young writers of the 1930s shared a common background. They were predominantly from the upper-middle class, educated at elite institutions like Oxford and Cambridge (George Orwell, who served in the colonial police in Burma, being a notable exception). Their formative years were overshadowed by World War I, which instilled in them a deep distrust of the liberal values that had seemingly led to such widespread carnage.
This generation felt a sense of guilt for not having directly experienced the war, leading some to seek out adventure and danger as a way of proving their masculinity. They were drawn to radical ideologies, seeing in them a potential solution to the social and political ills of their time.
The Rise of the Oxford Group
One of the most influential literary groups of the 1930s was the “Oxford Group,” which included poets such as:
- W.H. Auden (1907-1973)
- Louis MacNeice (1907-1963)
- Stephen Spender (1909-1995)
- Cecil Day-Lewis (1904-1972)
These poets, with their intellectual upbringing and leftist leanings, captured the revolutionary spirit of the age. W.H. Auden, in particular, emerged as a leading voice. His early poetry, such as the collections “Poems” (1930) and “Look, Stranger!” (1936), often featured heroic figures—spies, aviators, socialist agitators—engaged in acts of rebellion and violence.
Disillusionment and a Shift in Perspective
However, the Spanish Civil War proved to be a turning point for many writers, including Auden. His poem “Spain” (1937) initially seemed to justify violence, but his experience witnessing the conflict firsthand led to a profound shift in his perspective. Like Ernest Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” Auden’s work began to reflect the ethical complexities of war and violence.
Auden’s later poem “September 1, 1939” famously labeled the 1930s a “low dishonest decade”—a phrase that has since become synonymous with the era. He disavowed much of his early work, reflecting a growing disillusionment with radical ideologies.
Lasting Influences
Despite the political turmoil, the 1930s also saw the continued influence of literary giants like Joseph Conrad, Henry James, E.M. Forster, D.H. Lawrence, and James Joyce. These writers provided a counterpoint to the prevailing social realism, exploring themes of individualism, consciousness, and the human condition.
Legacy of the 1930s
The literature of the 1930s in Britain stands as a testament to a decade grappling with unprecedented challenges. It was a period of intense self-reflection, where writers confronted the complexities of their time, questioning political ideologies, and exploring the human cost of social and political upheaval. The lessons learned during this turbulent era—the dangers of political extremism, the importance of individual conscience, and the enduring power of art—continue to resonate with readers today.