Dystopian Literature

Dystopian Literature

Dystopian literature

According to the Science-Fiction Dictionary Brave New Words, dystopian literature is "an imagined society or state of affairs in which conditions are extremely bad, especially in which these conditions result from the continuation of some current trend to an extreme." 

 

Name three synonyms for dystopia.

1. anti-utopia
2. apocalyptic world
3. Fictional

What is the antonym for dystopia? Utopia: an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.

Dystopian Origins and characteristics

Dystopia is a relatively new genre, but has deeply rooted origins dating back to Thomas More's 1516 text Utopia. Dystopia fiction often comes about when major events happen in the world (WWII, the rise of communism, major advances in technology).  

Defining features of dystopia include:

• Full Government control
• Citizens relinquishing all rights
• Seemingly perfect societies with a dark side to them
• The rise of technology, and how it overtakes humanity
• Citizens have a fear of the outside world
• Citizens worship one leader
• Citizens live in a dehumanised state

Types of Dystopian Controls Corporate control: One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media.   Bureaucratic control: Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials.   Technological control: Society is controlled by technology—through computers, robots, and/or scientific means.   Philosophical/religious control: Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government.   Which dystopian novels have you read?   How many others can you name?

If you have read or viewed some dystopia, what are some of the key elements you have noticed?   FAMOUS DYSTOPIAN TEXTS 1984 - George Orwell - often seen as the definitive text - 'Big Brother is watching you Brave New World - Aldous Huxley - once again an earlier example of dystopian literature A Clockwork Orange- Anthony Burgess - Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation was banned in the U.K for twenty-five years until 1999 due to its "ultra-violence' and copycat crimes. Burgess claims he regrets ever having published the book.