1. Utopia vs. Dystopia

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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