Intro to Dystopian Literature

Dystopian Film As you view the following films, consult the handout describing the characteristics of dystopian literature and take notes as you view the film You’ll use these notes in your discussion after the films!

Gattaca (1997) This film is set in a future when one’s life is determined by genetic engineering rather than education or experience. The wealthy can choose the genetic makeup of their descendants. People are designed to fit into whatever role is decided before birth. Citizens are fashioned as perfect specimens (aka “Valids”) who dominate. A natural-born “In-Valid,” Vincent wants to break free from his predetermined fate and pays a DNA broker to assume a “Valid” identity so he can fly into space. The First Seven Minutes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c25ZzUFePY&feature=related 1: Gattaca – 30.2 Years http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48-hnujqpoA 2: Gattaca – Anton’s Birth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP1cCjBkWZU&feature=related Just play the first link – it has both of those plus some more!

The Matrix (1999) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdkdQtlF-RU

Minority Report (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH-6UImAP7c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyMdrOGhBhI In the year 2054, “Precrime,” a specialized police department, apprehends criminals based on predictions provided by three psychics called “Precogs.” In this future world criminals are caught before they commit crimes, thus eliminating murder altogether. One officer in this special unit is accused of a future crime and sets out to prove himself innocent. Optical Recognition System: a device exists that can track one’s every move through the eyes

Consult your notes and break up into groups of 3-4 to discuss the following questions: What are the worst-case scenarios that these film clips explore? What illusion of a perfect society is depicted in the clips the class has viewed? How are the members of this society being oppressed? What current trend, societal norm, or political system is exaggerated in this world? What criticism is made through the exaggeration in the clips?

The Rise of Young Adult Dystopians: The Future Brave New World and 1984 Consider the following questions that come from an online forum discussion on The New York Times website called “The Dark Side of Young Adult Fiction.” This series was in response to the growing list of bestselling dystopia fiction for young adults, including Hunger Games, Feed, The Maze Runner, Unwind, The Uglies, Matched, Delirium, etc. For each question, mark one of the following: Agree, Somewhat Agree, Somewhat Disagree, Disagree

Agree, Somewhat Agree, Disagree, Somewhat Disagree ______ “[Y]oung adults crave stories of broken futures because they themselves are uneasily aware that their world is falling apart.”

Agree, Somewhat Agree, Disagree, Somewhat Disagree ______ “[T]eenagers who are loving the dystopian themes are generally the ones who don’t have to face it. […] Would we be so enamored with dystopian fiction if we lived in a culture where violent death was a major concern? It wouldn’t be escapism.”

Agree, Somewhat Agree, Disagree, Somewhat Disagree ______ “Schools are places where teens are subject to dress codes, have few free speech rights, and are constantly under surveillance, where they rise and sit at the sound of a bell. Is it any wonder that dystopian novels speak to them?”