1. The science fiction and utopia/dystopia genre

2. Science fiction
Science fiction is a subgenre of fiction (not real) literature.
The characteristics of science fiction literature are:
Science fiction is often based on scientific principles and technology.
Science fiction may make predictions about life in the future.
Science fiction often deals with aliens or with life on other worlds.
Science fiction can comment on important issues in society

3. Science fiction examples:
Anything with aliens, or life on other planets.
Planet of the Apes.
X-men (several super-hero stories/comics/movies)
The Hunger Games
Jurassic Park
I, Robot
Star Wars
Star Trek
Based on the characteristics of science fiction, why are these texts or labeled ‘science fiction’? movies

4. Subgenre of science fiction….
Utopia and Dystopia literature is a subgenre of science fiction, because it involves fictional/futuristic places and often futuristic technology.

5. A beautiful society with a general pacifistic attitude
Utopian concepts
A beautiful society with a general pacifistic attitude
Poverty and misery are removed
Very few laws are necessary
Money is not necessary
People do only work that they enjoy and which benefits the common good
The Perfect place! Hitler is an example of someone who tried to create a Utopia. Attempts to create utopias have never really worked out.

6. What might this look like?
Dystopia
The antonym of utopia.
What might this look like?

7. Totalitarian dictatorship Glorification and justification of violence
Dytstopian Concepts
Totalitarian dictatorship
Glorification and justification of violence
Technology replaces humanity
Negative social trends are taken to nightmarish extremes

8. Characteristics of Dystopian Literature
Fictional and futuristic
Dystopias serve as warnings to contemporary man
Comment on our own current society
This would be where F451 fits in….

9. What does totalitarian mean? Characteristics of a dystopian society:
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.
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

10. Examples
The Hunger Games
The Giver
“The Road to Omelas”
The Road

11. F451 is a dystopian science fiction novel, because:
It has futuristic technology.
The government is totalitarian.
It serves as a warning to the contemporary man.
Includes nightmarish extremes.

12. Writing Assignment:
Write a few paragraphs describing a futuristic dystopia or utopia. You may use ideas from novels or movies you have read. You may be as creative as you would like. May include characters and dialogue. Include some futuristic technology. Describe the problems or benefits of the society. Draw a picture to go along with your description.