1. Utopia v. dystopia

2. UTOPIA
A place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs, and conditions.
Ecological
Economic
Political
Religious Utopia
Science and Technology Utopia

3. Ecological
A traditional way of life that is more in harmony with nature.
An organic way of life

4. Economic
An equal distribution of goods, frequently with the total abolition of money
Citizens only do work they enjoy and which is for the common good, leaving them with time for the arts and sciences

5. Political World Peace, Global Oneness
Everyone getting along regardless of race, culture, political beliefs.
A world without war.

6. Religious
Harmony
Peace
Understanding
Enlightenment

7. Science and Technology
Set in the future
Utopian Living Standards: absence of death and suffering, changes in human nature and the human condition (Star Trek)

8. Dystopia
Definition: A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained.
Purpose: Through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, the author makes a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system.
Possible Categories:
Class Systems
Nature
Politics
Economics

9. Characteristics of Dystopia
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.

10. Categories of dystopia
Class Systems:
People referred to as numbers rather than names
People are cloned so there are several of the same people, they are uniform and lose individuality (Brave New World)
People required to “not excel” and lose their competence
Often no religion and no families

11. Categories of dystopia
Evils of Nature:
Settings of dystopias are frequently urban
Separate all characters from any contact with nature
People are conditioned to be afraid of nature

12. Categories of dystopia
Political Corruption:
Governing class is hedonistic or shallow
Negative consequences, oppressive
Pessimistic views of governing class – brutal, uncaring

13. Categories of dystopia
Economics:
Black markets for goods that are difficult to get
Governing class controls everything
Big businesses have control and are corrupt

14. The Dystopian protagonist
Feels trapped and struggles to escape.
Questions the social and political systems.
Believes that something is terribly wrong with the society in which he or she lives.
Helps audience recognize society’s flaws.

15. Utopia Vs. Dystopia Utopia Dystopia Society Equality of all people
Classes, caste system
View on future
Optimistic, upbeat
Pessimistic, downbeat
Form of government
Democracy
Regime
Education
Equal and advancing education
Propaganda
Economy
No money, equal distribution of goods
Rich and poor people, no middle class
Legislation
Fair system of punishment
Unfair and excessive punishment
Atmosphere
Happy, harmonic families
Unfortunate, unlucky people