The Prime Meridian, also known as the Greenwich Meridian, is the imaginary line that divides the earth into the Eastern and Western hemispheres. It is the basis for the global standard time system, with all time zones measured from this line. But the influence of the Prime Meridian goes beyond just geography and timekeeping – it has also had a significant impact on literary movements throughout history.

The Prime Meridian was officially established at the International Meridian Conference in 1884, when it was agreed upon as the starting point for longitude at 0 degrees. This decision was based on the fact that the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, had already been established as the center of world time and navigation due to the accuracy of its clocks. As such, the Prime Meridian became a symbol of British dominance and colonial power.

This symbolism had a profound effect on literature, particularly during the Victorian era. The British Empire was at its peak, and the Prime Meridian served as a reminder of the extent of their influence and power. This is evident in the works of Victorian authors such as Rudyard Kipling, who often wrote about the struggles and triumphs of the British Empire. The Prime Meridian also appeared in many of Charles Dickens’ novels, as London and the Greenwich Observatory were central to the plots and themes of his stories.

Furthermore, the Prime Meridian was also a reflection of the West’s perspective on the rest of the world. The establishment of Greenwich as the center of world time perpetuated the idea of Western superiority and dominance. This Eurocentric view is evident in the literature of the time, with Western authors often portraying other cultures as exotic or inferior. One example of this is in Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness,” where the Prime Meridian is mentioned as a symbol of European imperialism and the exploitation of African resources.

But the impact of the Prime Meridian goes beyond colonialism and Eurocentrism. As the Prime Meridian divided the world into two halves, it also represented a split between the East and the West. This dichotomy is often reflected in literature, where Eastern cultures and traditions are contrasted with Western ideals and beliefs. One notable example is Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children,” which explores the clash of Eastern and Western cultures in pre- and post-independence India.

But the Prime Meridian did not just influence literature during the Victorian era. Its significance continued to evolve and inspire literary movements in the 20th and 21st centuries. Postcolonial literature, for example, emerged as a response to the legacy of European imperialism and the Prime Meridian played a significant role in shaping this movement. Authors like Chinua Achebe and Frantz Fanon challenged the Eurocentric views perpetuated by the establishment of the Prime Meridian and highlighted the impact of colonialism on non-Western cultures.

In conclusion, the Prime Meridian has had a lasting impact on literature. From its origins as a symbol of British dominance to its role in shaping postcolonial literature, the Prime Meridian remains a powerful symbol that continues to influence the themes, ideas, and perspectives of writers around the world. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of the world and the complex issues that arise from that. As we move towards a more globalized society, the influence of the Prime Meridian on literary movements will only continue to grow and evolve.