An overview to the genre Dystopia An overview to the genre

Utopia A place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs, and conditions. What would this look like?

Dystopia dys = bad, painful,disordered topia = greek ‘topos’ a place A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, government, technological or moral control.

Fictional dystopian worlds The dystopian world is undesirable with poverty and unequal domination by specific individuals over others. Dystopian texts often construct a fictional universe and set it in a background which features scenarios such as dehumanizing technological advancements, man-made disasters or class-based revolutions.

Features of dystopian society Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society. Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society. Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance. Citizens have a fear of the outside world. Citizens live in a dehumanized state. The natural world is banished and distrusted. Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad. The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

Think about some dystopian texts you are familiar with…in what ways has the world/society been corrupted?

Apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic Fiction Apocalyptic: Dealing with an event that could or will end the world. Post-Apocalyptic: A civilisation after the world has ended. Dystopian and Apocalyptic texts are closely related

How do these dystopias occur? Catastrophes that could change our world Nuclear War Epidemic of infectious disease Extra-terrestrial attack Supernatural phenomenon Divine judgement Climate change Natural disaster Technological Intelligence Genetic Mutation

control Most dystopian texts present a world in which oppressive control and the illusion of a perfect society (utopia) are maintained in a specific way

Corporate Control One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media Corporation: a large company or group of companies authorized to act as a single entity and recognized as such in law.

Bureaucratic Control Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials Bureaucracy: a system of government in which most of the important decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives. Excessively complicated administrative procedure

Technological control Society is controlled by technology—through computers, robots, and/or scientific means. Examples include The Matrix, The Terminator, and I, Robot

Philosophical/religious control Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic (religious) government Ideology: a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.

What’s the Point? Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system. We can relate to these scenarios because we can imagine that they are possible…

Dystopian societies are echoes of today, cautionary tales, reflecting many present fears, concerns and vulnerabilities in society. Dystopias feed the imagination and offer a wealth of “what if” scenarios.  These fictional worlds give readers  the freedom to explore complex social issues thus broadening readers scope of awareness and allowing them to question the road(s) we are already walking. Writers /Directors of dystopian fiction are keen observers of the human experience, and through their writing they can challenge, reveal, comment about society, and human nature, teaching us about ourselves and to question not only the world we live in but also the dark roads of possibility ahead.

The Dystopian protagonist Often feels trapped and is struggling to escape, face incredible hurdles, make changes/sacrifices, rebel, try to change the system in some way 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 recognise the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective