UTOPIAS AND DYSTOPIAS An Introduction

UTOPIA: A DEFINITION An ideally perfect place, an impractical idealistic scheme. The word “utopia” comes from two Greek words: “oi” (not) and “topos” (place) = “nowhere.” The word was created by Sir Thomas More in 1516 when he wrote a book by that title.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A UTOPIA Poverty and misery are removed. Money no longer exists. Very few laws are necessary. The society is free of class systems, so all are equal. View on the future is optimistic and upbeat.

RELIGIOUS UTOPIAN CONCEPTS The Judeo-Christian concept of the Garden of Eden and Heaven. The Buddhist concept of Nirvana.

DYSTOPIA: A DEFINITION Dystopia: A futuristic, imagined universe in which society is oppressed and the illusion of perfection is maintained through some form of control. There are many types of control, including media, technology, and religious ideologies. Dystopias are exaggerated worst-case scenarios that usually criticize a current trend, societal norm, or political system.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DYSTOPIA Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society. Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. A leader or idea is worshipped by the citizens of the society. Citizens are supposedly under constant surveillance. Citizens have a fear of the outside world. Citizens live in a dehumanized state. Citizens conform to uniform expectations; individuality and difference are bad.

THE DYSTOPIAN PROTAGONIST Often feels trapped and is struggling to escape. Questions the existing social and political systems. Believes or feels that something is terribly wrong with the society in which they live. Helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world through their perspective.