From Waukegan, Illinois “World’s greatest science fiction writer” His stories are “real and honest and true to their understanding of human nature” His writing often concerns the negative effects technology might have on human beings and the history of mankind. He believes automobiles destroy society by devouring cities, poisons the atmosphere, and kills millions of people. He walked everywhere in L.A. (harassed by police as a result) – Basis of a story (“The Pedestrian”)

A genre of literature that generally deals with the impact of science or technology upon society. The science or technology in this genre can be real or imagined. Can you think of any examples?

Utopian and dystopian societies are often present in science fiction literature. A utopia refers to a perfect society that does not exist or can never exist Star Trek is an example of a utopian society because humankind has overcome sickness, racism, poverty, and warfare

A dystopia is the opposite of a utopia and is usually characterized by a totalitarian society. What does totalitarian mean? In short, it refers to a society in which nearly every aspect of public and private behavior is regulated by the state. Ever read The Giver? Characteristics of a dystopian society: A poor standard of living among the lower and middle classes A protagonist that questions the society Set in the future but resembles contemporary society

Television in the home Conformity in the United States (houses, hairstyles, clothing, thinking) People who stepped out politically were accused of being Communists Women were in the home and rarely complained about it Soap operas were already becoming popular

Character Development Examples of how society is a utopia or dystopia Foreshadowing Important Plot Events Symbolism Important Theme Development Quotable Quotes