The Prime Meridian, an imaginary line that divides the Earth into Eastern and Western hemispheres, may not seem like a significant topic in literature. However, throughout history, this line has been a valuable tool and a symbol of change, progress, and division in literary works.

The concept of the Prime Meridian first came into existence in the 19th century. Before this, different countries and cultures had their own ways of measuring and dividing time and space. However, as global navigation and trade increased, it became necessary to have a universal system for mapping and determining locations on the Earth. In 1884, an international conference held in Washington, D.C. established the Prime Meridian as the official starting point for measuring longitude.

One of the earliest literary works to reference the Prime Meridian is Jules Verne’s science fiction classic, “Around the World in Eighty Days,” published in 1873. The protagonist, Phileas Fogg, embarks on a journey to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days, and the Prime Meridian plays a crucial role in his journey. Fogg must calculate and follow this line in order to stay on schedule and complete his journey within the allotted time.

The Prime Meridian also serves as a symbol of progress and modernity in literature. In Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” published in 1925, the Prime Meridian is mentioned when the character Septimus Warren Smith joins a group of onlookers watching a famous balloonist fly across London. This event, which marks a technological advancement in aviation, takes place at Greenwich, the birthplace of the Prime Meridian. By including this reference, Woolf highlights the changing times and the impact of technology on society.

Another notable literary work that references the Prime Meridian is Joseph Conrad’s novel, “Heart of Darkness,” published in 1899. In this story, the Prime Meridian serves as a symbol of colonial power and imperialism. The narrator, Marlow, mentions the Prime Meridian as he sails towards the Congo River in Africa, a place that represents the darkness and brutality of colonial exploitation. The contrast between London, the Western world represented by the Prime Meridian, and the Congo, a place untouched by it, highlights the themes of power and oppression in the novel.

In more recent literature, the Prime Meridian has been used to explore themes of identity and belonging. In Mohsin Hamid’s “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” published in 2007, the protagonist Changez discusses the significance of the Prime Meridian with an American stranger. For Changez, this line represents the division between East and West, between his home country of Pakistan and the United States. The Prime Meridian becomes a symbol of his struggle to reconcile his Eastern roots with his life in the West.

In conclusion, the Prime Meridian may seem like a simple line on a map, but in literature, it has served as a powerful symbol and a tool to explore various themes. Its importance in global navigation, progress, and division has been reflected in a wide range of literary works across different time periods. Whether it is used as a plot device, a symbol, or a metaphor, the Prime Meridian continues to play a significant role in literature, reminding us of the ever-changing world we live in.