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Born in Prague, Franz Kafka was a Jewish American-Czech writer and novelist who wrote his works in German language. Kafka’s exploration of alienation, bureaucracy, and existential dread left an indelible mark on literature, philosophy, and even psychology. His term “Kafkaesque” is used to describe nightmarishly complex and oppressive situations, reflecting his vision of modernity’s struggles. Though he died largely unpublished, his works posthumously shaped 20th-century existentialist and absurdist literature, influencing authors like Albert Camus and Haruki Murakami.

Notable Works: The Metamorphosis, The Trial, The Castle

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A Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist and journalist, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s works delve into morality, redemption, faith, and free will, influencing existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche. His complex, flawed characters wrestle with guilt and salvation, mirroring the human condition. His ability to explore the deepest corners of the human soul continues to shape modern psychological and philosophical literature. His impact extends beyond fiction, with his ideas deeply embedded in discussions about ethics and psychology.

Notable Works: Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, Notes from Underground

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Published her book "The Bell Jar" under a pen name Victoria Lucas, American poet and writer Sylvia Plath revolutionized poetry with her brutally honest depictions of mental illness, identity, and womanhood. As a leading figure in the confessional poetry movement, her work gave voice to personal pain and trauma in ways previously unheard of in literature. Her novel The Bell Jar remains a defining piece of feminist literature, shedding light on depression and the struggles of women in a restrictive society. Her poetry, particularly in Ariel, continues to be a touchstone for poets exploring raw emotional landscapes.

Notable Works: The Bell Jar, Ariel, The Colossus

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Known as the "Prince of Tagalog Poets", Filipino poet Francisco Balagtas played a crucial role in shaping Philippine literature by writing in Tagalog at a time when Spanish was the dominant literary language. His masterpiece Florante at Laura is more than just a love story—it is an allegory of oppression under colonial rule, making it a vital nationalist text. His influence extends beyond literature, as his name is honored in the Filipino art of Balagtasan, a form of poetic debate. His work continues to inspire Filipino writers and poets, keeping the richness of the Tagalog language alive.

Notable Works: Florante at Laura, La India Elegante

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Popularly known for his nickname "Tomahawk Man", American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic Edgar Allan Poe is often credited as the father of modern horror and detective fiction, pioneering psychological depth in storytelling. His ability to create eerie atmospheres and explore the human psyche has influenced countless writers, including Arthur Conan Doyle, H.P. Lovecraft, and Stephen King. The Raven remains one of the most famous poems in American literature, and his detective character C. Auguste Dupin laid the groundwork for Sherlock Holmes. His legacy extends into film, music, and popular culture, keeping his eerie tales alive for generations.

Notable Works: The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher

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Called as " The New England Mystic", American poet Emily Dickinson redefined poetry with her unconventional punctuation, fragmented lines, and profound themes of death, nature, and immortality. Her deeply introspective work, though largely unpublished during her lifetime, later became a cornerstone of American poetry. She broke literary conventions, influencing modern poets with her ability to convey vast emotions in just a few words. Her unique poetic voice, once overlooked, now stands as one of the most innovative in literary history, continuing to inspire contemporary poets and scholars.

Notable Works: Because I Could Not Stop for Death, Hope is the Thing with Feathers, I Heard a Fly Buzz—When I Died

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Nicknamed as the "The Bard of Avon" and one of the famous playwright in the book of history, English playwright, poet, and actor William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright and poet in the English language. His influence spans literature, theater, and the modern English language itself, introducing hundreds of words and expressions still used today. His exploration of human nature, power, love, and tragedy remains timeless, making his works essential in English literature curricula worldwide. His plays are performed across cultures and continue to shape storytelling in film, novels, and drama.

Notable Works: Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Othello

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Often called as "The Goat" by her family for being an eccentric person, English writer and one of the most influential 20th century modernist author, Virginia Woolf was a key figure in the modernist movement, revolutionizing narrative form with her stream-of-consciousness style. She was also an early feminist thinker, advocating for women's intellectual and creative freedom in A Room of One’s Own. Her works explore themes of identity, time, and mental health, influencing contemporary feminist and psychological literature. Woolf's literary innovations continue to inspire writers and scholars in both literary and gender studies.

Notable Works: Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, A Room of One’s Own

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The Philippine National Hero and Novelist

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The Philippine National Hero and Novelist

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Known for his pen names "Laong Laan" and "Dimasalang" and his nickname "Pepe", Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath Jose Rizal’s novels were instrumental in sparking the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Through Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, he exposed the injustices and corruption in colonial society, inspiring nationalistic movements. His works are required reading in Philippine schools, teaching students about history, patriotism, and resistance against oppression. Beyond literature, Rizal’s impact extends to education and reform, cementing his status as one of the most revered figures in Filipino history.

Notable Works: Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, To the Young Women of Malolos

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Regarded as one of the greatest early poets of Ancient Greece and was believed to be blind, Ancient Greek poet Homer was often considered as the father of Western literature. Homer’s epics have influenced storytelling for millennia, his tales of heroism, fate, and the gods established the foundation for Greek mythology and literary traditions. His works are still studied in literature, history, and philosophy, shaping countless adaptations in books, theater, and film.

Notable Works: The Iliad, The Odyssey

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The Voice of African American Literature

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The Voice of African American Literature

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Critically acclaimed American novelist and editor Toni Morrison is known for her novels that explore race, identity, and history, giving voice to the African American experience. She was the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and her works are now staples in English curricula worldwide. Her storytelling, deeply rooted in history and memory, continues to inspire discussions about racial and social justice.

Notable Works: Beloved, Song of Solomon, The Bluest Eye

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Having been known by his nickname "The Bear", Russian writer Leo Tolstoy’s novels are known for their depth, realism, and philosophical insight into human nature and society. His works influenced modern psychology and ethics, particularly his exploration of morality, free will, and the search for meaning in life. He also played a key role in the nonviolent resistance movement, inspiring figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

Notable Works: War and Peace, Anna Karenina, The Death of Ivan Ilyich