Utopian & Dystopian Literature Science Fiction/Fantasy’s Sub-genres: Utopian & Dystopian Literature

Utopian Literature Literally translated: “no place” & “good place” Definition: A place/state/world that is ideally perfect Coined by Sir Thomas More

Characteristics equality for all social harmony economic prosperity political stability prescriptive

Types of Utopias paradise externally altered world willed transformation technological transformation

“Peach Blossom Spring”

“Peach Blossom Spring” Why can this short story be considered a utopia? Identify some characteristics of the genre. What is the author’s opinion of perfection? Which type of utopia is described?

“Ecotopia” Why does Weston struggle to deal with the citizens of Ecotopia? What do you make of the interaction between Weston and the military man at the bottom of page 218? Why is citizen pride so important to society? Why does one group of skiers wear ragged clothing, carry homemade backpacks, and old fashioned skis? Would you be interested in living in Ecotopia? Why?

On a piece of paper, respond to the following statements: Define perfect in your own words. Describe your perfect world in detail. Consider the government and laws in your society How does the government maintain order, if there is any order in your society? Consider human interactions – what are they like? Is your world attainable? How? These responses should be roughly 1 handwritten page long and are due tomorrow.

The Line Between Utopia & Dystopia Thin line between utopia and dystopia Dependent on perspective Irony Both display extremes

Dystopian Literature Literally translated:“not good place Definition: A place/state/world that appears perfect, but in reality is oppressive and controlling Coined by John Stewart Mill Dystopian Literature

Dystopian Characteristics use propaganda independent thought/freedom are restricted conformity is expected nature is feared one person/thing is worshipped social castes surveillance and paranoia illusion of a utopia

Dystopian Characteristics … again Dystopian Controls Dystopian Protagonist corporate control bureaucratic control technological control philosophical/religious control outsider questions social and political norms and systems allows audience to see flaws through his/her perspective

4 Types of Dystopias The hell The externally altered world The willed transformation The technological transformation

“The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas” by Ursula Le Guin Interpret the quote: “Happiness is based on a discrimination of what is necessary, what is neither necessary nor destructive, and what is destructive.” What type of dystopia is explained? How did the Omelas’ tradition of child suffering start if there was never a monarchy to start it? Compare this story to Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.” What are the moral characteristics of those “who walk away from Omelas?”

Pop-Culture Dystopias 1984 by George Orwell Animal Farm by George Orwell The Time Machine by H. G. Wells The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess “The Stepford Wives” “Planet of the Apes” “The Matrix” “Terminator” “I, Robot” “RoboCop” “The Walking Dead”