Utopia vs. Dystopia

Utopia Definition: A perfect society An ideally perfect place, especially in its social, political, and moral aspects Opposite of a dystopia

Dystopia Definition: An imaginary place or state in which the condition of life is extremely bad, as from deprivation, oppression, or terror. “dys”=Greek for bad, “topos” = Greek for place Opposite of a utopia

Dystopia Often describes a society that starts off as a utopia or thinks it is a utopia but turns into an oppressive, miserable, dysfunctional state. Can serve as a cautionary tale or warning to modern day society

Common Characteristics of a Dystopian Society Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. Citizens may seem to be under constant surveillance. Citizens have a fear of the outside world. Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and disagreement are bad. The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

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 he or she lives. Helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective.

Examples of Dystopian Literature The Hunger Games Trilogy The Maze Runner Series The Matched Trilogy Divergent Others?