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📙intro to contemporary literature review

Bring the jubilee

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The phrase 'bring the jubilee' refers to the call for a dramatic social and political transformation, often invoking themes of freedom, equality, and redemption. It connects to the concept of jubilee, which traditionally represents a time of celebration, forgiveness, and the restoration of social justice, echoing through various historical and literary contexts where alternate realities or transformative moments are explored.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. 'Bring the jubilee' encapsulates the yearning for a transformative moment that can reset societal norms and values, making it relevant in discussions about social justice.
  2. In various literary works, this phrase often signifies hope for a better future and serves as a rallying cry for those oppressed or marginalized.
  3. The concept can be connected to alternate histories where characters experience pivotal moments that could lead to liberation or significant change in their societies.
  4. Historical contexts in which 'bring the jubilee' appears often reflect real-world movements for civil rights and social reform, emphasizing its significance beyond fiction.
  5. The phrase resonates with themes of redemption and renewal, echoing the biblical tradition that celebrates freedom from bondage and the restoration of community.

Review Questions

  • How does the phrase 'bring the jubilee' reflect themes of social change in literature?
    • 'Bring the jubilee' embodies a call for societal transformation by emphasizing freedom and equality. In literature, this phrase often marks key moments where characters confront oppression or seek justice. It serves as both a narrative device and a thematic touchstone, inviting readers to reflect on their own world while considering what changes are necessary for a more just society.
  • Discuss the implications of 'bringing the jubilee' in alternate histories as a means of exploring social justice.
    • 'Bringing the jubilee' in alternate histories allows writers to imagine worlds where pivotal changes lead to greater equity. By envisioning scenarios that diverge from reality, authors can highlight potential consequences of social actions or policies. This exploration not only critiques existing structures but also inspires hope by showcasing how alternate decisions might lead to more equitable outcomes.
  • Evaluate the relationship between 'bring the jubilee' and the concepts of utopia and dystopia in contemporary literature.
    • 'Bring the jubilee' acts as a bridge between utopian ideals and dystopian realities by questioning what it means to achieve true societal harmony. In contemporary literature, while utopias present visions of an ideal world often unachievable due to inherent flaws in human nature, dystopias reveal the consequences of failing to pursue that ideal. This relationship encourages critical thinking about our current trajectory and highlights the importance of striving towards a better future through collective action.