Novel choice of Brave New World, Frankenstein, or 1984

Utopia- A place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect Dys- meaning ill or bad (Ancient Greek) DYSTOPIA- A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of perfection are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control. Dystopias are an exaggerated, worst-case scenario way to criticism a current trend, norm, or political system.

1984, Frankenstein, Brave New World, Hunger Games, Minority Report, The Running Man, Terminator, The Matrix, V for Vendetta, Equilibrium, Demolition Man etc.

Use of Propaganda to control citizens Information, freedom, and independent thought are restricted A figurehead or concept is worshipped by citizenry Citizens perceived to be under constant surveillance Citizens fear outside world Citizens live in dehumanized state Natural world is banished and distrusted Citizens conform to uniform expectations Individuality/dissent is bad

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 control: Corporate Control Bureaucratic Control Technological Control Philosophical/Religious Control

One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the medias. Ex: Minority Report, Running Man, Wall-E, Demolition Man

Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials Ex: Brazil, Hunger Games

Society is controlled by technology-through computers, robots, and/or scientific means. Ex: The Matrix, Terminator, I, Robot; Equilibrium

Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government

Often feels trapped and struggles to escape Questions existing social/political systems Believes or feels that something is terribly wrong w/ the society Helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his/her perspective

Read “The Lottery” Watch segments of Hunger Games Choice of novel: 1984, Frankenstein, Brave New World Assessments: Socratic Circles Reading Guides Unit Test