In 1935, Antonio Gramsci, an imprisoned Marxist theorist, began writing the 'Prison Notebooks,' where he developed the concept of 'cultural hegemony.' Gramsci argued that ruling classes maintain power not just through force but by shaping cultural norms and values to align with their interests. His insights into the interplay of culture and politics have had a profound impact on social theory, influencing subsequent generations of thinkers in various fields, including sociology, political science, and cultural studies.

Antonio Gramsci's 'Prison Notebooks' provided a critical lens for analyzing culture and ideology, inspiring poets to write counter-hegemonic verse. His ideas on language and power influenced a generation of writers who sought to challenge dominant narratives. This intellectual framework fostered a rich environment for poetry that interrogated societal structures and the role of the individual.