Dystopian Literature - Eng

READ

DYSTOPIAN

INDEX

1. utopia vs. dystopia

2. examples of central themes

3. elements of dystopian fiction

4. the dystopian protaganist

5. popular dystopian novels

6. references

UTOPIA vs. DYSTOPIA

a perfect society

an imperfect society

Dystopian literature tends to feature common, central themes that allow writers to create alternate realities while conveying valuable messages to their readers.

(“Decoding the Matrix Exploring Dystopian Characteristics through Film | Read Write Think”)

Examples of central themes in dystopian literature:

government control

environmental distruction

typically set in “apocalyptic” environments that reflect the destruction of life and an uninhabitable landscape, usually as a result of war and weaponry

often reflects extremes in terms of governmental rule, from oppressive totalitarianism to violent anarchy

survival

characters are often left to their own means of survival due to oppressive or violent societies

technological control

loss of individualism

often reflect advancements in science and technology that grow out of human control and become domineering and fear-inducing

often emphasizes the needs of society and conformity at the expense of individual freedom and expression

(“Decoding the Matrix Exploring Dystopian Characteristics through Film | Read Write Think”)

elements of a dystopian society

Dystopian Government

(Totalitarian)

oppressive, often overbearing, has constant surveillance on its citizens, creates curfews, has military control, and suppresses its people

The government portrays their society as a utopia.

They use propaganda and subtle manipulation to trick their people into believing things are perfect.

SETTING

• often in the future
• could be a fictional universe
• usually after some sort of catastrophe

The author uses the dystopian setting to help explain the different structures of society and justify the power of government.

TECHNOLOGY

In dystopian works, advanced science and technology are not just tools for improving everyday life. They are often depicted as controlling, omnipresent forces that are used to manipulate and control the population.

Citizens

A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society.

Citizens are not free to make their own choices in life, the government chooses for them.

Citizens have a fear of the outside world.

Citizens have limited access to information, independent thought, and freedom.

People are forced to be very similar and conform to the rules and expectations that the government has set forth.

Survival

The oppressive powers and destruction in dystopian worlds often leave the inhabitants to fend for themselves.

There is often an apocalyptic factor to the story.

The Dystopian Protaganist...

• often feels trapped and is struggling to escape
• questions the existing social and political systems
• believes or feels that something is terribly wrong with the society in which he or she lives
• helps the audience recognizes the negative aspects of the dystopian society through his or her perspective

IHS Library catalog

Popular Dystopian Books

References

Intro. “Intro to Dystopian Literature PowerPoint.” TPT, TPT, 2023, www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Intro-to-Dystopian-Literature-PowerPoint-128737. Accessed 29 Aug. 2023. ‌

“Decoding the Matrix Exploring Dystopian Characteristics through Film | Read Write Think.” Readwritethink.org, 2023, www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/decoding-matrix-exploring-dystopian. Accessed 28 Aug. 2023. ‌

“What Is Dystopian Fiction? 20 Examples of Dystopian Fiction - 2023 - MasterClass.” MasterClass, 2020, www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-dystopian-fiction-learn-about-the-5-characteristics-of-dystopian-fiction-with-examples. Accessed 28 Aug. 2023. ‌

examples of totalitarianism - Google Search. (2019). Google.com. https://www.google.com/search?q=examples+of+totalitarianism&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjLr7H0ktiDAxUd6MkDHc6jDZ4Q2-cCegQIABAA&oq=examples+of+totali&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQARgAMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgcIABCABBAYMgcIABCABBAYMgcIABCABBAYMgcIABCABBAYMgcIABCABBAYMgcIABCABBAYMgcIABCABBAYOgoIABCABBCKBRBDUOMGWP0TYMwcaABwAHgAgAGMAYgB4waSAQMwLjeYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=XFihZcuRKp3Qp84Pzse28Ak&bih=911&biw=1920&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS1083US1083&safe=active&ssui=on ‌

examples of propaganda - Google Search. (2019). Google.com. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=597822906&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS1083US1083&q=examples+of+propaganda&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9q6bjktiDAxX7mmoFHaWcANoQ0pQJegQIDRAB&biw=1920&bih=911&dpr=1&safe=active&ssui=on ‌