Characteristics of Dystopian Literature Intro to genre & 4 corners

Dystopia Dys = bad Topia = place What’s the opposite of a dystopia? What other words can you come up with that have these roots in them?

Dystopia In literature, 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. Through exaggeration, dystopias expose truths/criticism of our own society. Oppressive = tyrannical - In what ways does the world of the hunger games resemble our world today? What extremes are exaggerated for effect?

Characteristics of Dystopian Society Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted Turn to your table partner and point to an example of this in The Hunger Games.

Characteristics of Dystopian Society A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society Name the figurehead or concept that is worshipped by the society in Hunger Games.

Characteristics of Dystopian Society Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance Turn to your table partner and point to an example of this in The Hunger Games.

Characteristics of Dystopian Society Citizens live in fear of the outside world The natural world is banished and distrusted Give example of Hunger Games, capitol is so removed from nature. To hunt, Katniss has to go beyond the premises of the area she’s supposed to be in.

Characteristics of Dystopian Society Citizens live in a dehumanized state

Characteristics of Dystopian Society Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad.

Characteristics of Dystopian Society Society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world. Everyone pretends to think everything is okay. People live blindly, not seeing the truth.

Listen to each of the following value statements silently Listen to each of the following value statements silently. After taking a few seconds to think about it, head towards the pod door if you agree with the statement. Head towards the window if you disagree. If you have mixed feelings, stay in the center of the room.

Young adults crave stories of broken societies because they are aware that their own world is falling apart

Teenagers who love dystopian themes are the ones who don’t have to face them. Teenagers wouldn’t enjoy dark fiction if they lived in a culture where violent death was a major concern.

Fear is necessary for society Fear is necessary for society. Without fear of punishment, most people would not follow society’s rules.

Schools are places where teens are subject to dress codes, have few free speech rights, are constantly under surveillance, where they sit and rise at the sound of the bell.

Surveillance keeps us safe Surveillance keeps us safe. The only people who need to worry about it are criminals.

Surveillance is a violation of privacy and personal freedom.