Dystopian Worlds Introduction

A utopia is… A place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs, and conditions From the Greek “ no place ” or place that does not exist

Examples of utopia Thomas More’s Utopia The beauties of society reign – equality and pacifism. The evils of society, eg: poverty and misery, are all removed. It has few laws, no lawyers and rarely sends its citizens to war. The society encourages tolerance of all religions.

A dystopia is… A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst- case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system.

Characteristics of a dystopia Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society. Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society. Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance. Citizens have a fear of the outside world.

Characteristics of a dystopia Citizens live in a dehumanized state. The natural world is banished and distrusted. Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad. The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

Types of dystopia Most dystopian works present a world in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through one or more of the following types of controls: Corporate control: One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media (Ex: Minority Report, Running Man)

Types of dystopia 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 (Ex: The Matrix, The Terminator, and I, Robot) Philosophical/religious control: Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government

The dystopian protagonist… 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 world through his or her perspective

Dystopia in Orwell’s 1984 Oceania is a totalitarian country of omnipresent, two-way television surveillance by The Party. Informants are everywhere. The two main characters are incarcerated at the Ministry of Love for torture, brainwashing, and re-education, via each one's worst fears, in Room 101.

Dystopia in Huxley’s Brave New World The novel depicts a World State where all members are trained to be good consumers to keep the economy strong. Sex has become a social activity rather than a means of reproduction, and is encouraged to be practiced since childhood. Humans are now created in a lab; romantic relationships are obsolete. Society is rigidly divided into five castes, all pre-determined at birth.

Spending time alone is discouraged. Everyone in the State takes Soma, a drug that makes it possible for everyone to be blissfully oblivious and perfectly content. People who don ’ t fit in live at Savage Reservation. Dystopia in Huxley’s Brave New World

Discussion What is your vision of a utopia? Jot down some characteristics.

Discussion What is your vision of a dystopia? Jot down some characteristics.