A handful of works in history have had a direct impact on social policy: one or two works of Dickens, some of Zola, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and, in modern drama, Larry Kramer's 'The Normal Heart.'

Summary

This quote highlights that throughout history, only a few literary works have had a profound influence on shaping social policy. It mentions authors such as Charles Dickens and Émile Zola, whose writings shed light on societal issues. Furthermore, Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' is praised for its role in challenging attitudes towards slavery. Lastly, Larry Kramer's play 'The Normal Heart' is acknowledged for its contribution to contemporary drama by addressing the AIDS epidemic and raising awareness about LGBTQ+ rights. These works have demonstrated the power of literature to impact social change and ignite discussions on important issues.

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