DYSTOPIAN SOCIETY

An imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect. What is UTOPIA An imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect. The word was first used in the book Utopia (1516) by Sir Thomas More

What is Dystopia?

How would you define Dystopia An imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.

Popular Dystopian Stories 1984 Brave New World Fahrenheit 451 The Hunger Games

We will review 8 common traits seen in Dysopic literature Dystopic Traits We will review 8 common traits seen in Dysopic literature Take notes on the chart provided.

social stratification: social class is strictly defined and enforced 1. Society Definition: most impose severe social restrictions on community members Examples: social stratification: social class is strictly defined and enforced ruthless egalitarian repression of the intellectual

Definition: total absence of social groups other than the “state” Examples independent religion is notable because of omittance family is attacked: the hostility to motherhood

3. Nature Definition: characters are isolated from the natural world Example: conditioned to fear nature 4. Political Definition: Government asserts power over citizens Examples:- flawed in some way—portrayed as oppressive - filled with pessimistic views of the ruling class—rules with an “iron fist”

6. The Hero: Definition: state is in control of the economy 5. Economic Definition: state is in control of the economy Examples: -black market—items banned or seen as contraband - often privatization in businesses 6. The Hero: Definition: protagonist questions society— intuition Example: Escape or Rebel

7. Conflict Definition: societal group somewhere not under control of state 8. Climax: Definition: Emotional high Example: can be unresolved - death or reeducation/conformity

Central Themes in Fahrenheit 451 Censorship usurps the individual’s right to make choices and discover the consequences of one’s own actions. A society that does not value knowledge is unmotivated, dangerous and potentially violent. A life without critical thinking and goals is meaningless and unsatisfying.

Central Themes continued Replacing relationships with technologically advanced machines is perilous to an individual’s personal development. A person’s identity is created through a combination of one’s actions and beliefs. Wisdom and knowledge play a pivotal role in the development of a society of free-thinkers. Personal freedom should not be sacrificed in the interest of greater security.