Themes Of Dystopian Literature

Dystopia is common theme which dates hundreds of years in literature worldwide. Dystopian novels and short stories often depict a society repressed by a totalitarian government which comes to power after a cataclysmic occurrence, wielding unforgiving power and control over inhabitants for their own good. These dystopias are often perceived by the average citizen as a normal or unavoidable way of life, sometimes even a better way of life, yet there is often a single person or group of protagonists who question the justification of such living arrangements and threaten upheaval of the utopia sold by the ruling class.

The trend in dystopian societies is very intriguing and so vivid. Dystopian societies dictate many characteristics as leaders and followers usually one coming out from the shade to lead their small groups to rebel against order. Through, James Dashner literature the maze runner series he greatly displays challenges of the protagonist in a fallen society. He also takes his text to the next level by being able to display hopelessness in a series of challenges, with struggles with fear in courage as the protagonist in the book go through their trenches, long and dangerous journey. Basically the control the dystopian society creates. Since their beginning they all went through the same thing. On pg. 1. “he began his new life standing up, surrounded

In a dystopian society, one can face many troublesome things within the control of a government. Because of their leaders and government, many nations face dystopia. Within the dystopian society of Nazi Germany, the citizens were controlled by Hitler and the government; Hitler segregated the Jews and changed many of the German society’s viewpoints that impacted many people to agree with the choices of the government. In evaluating how Nazi Germany was a dystopian society, one can know how dystopia can influence many people’s lives through literary works.

A dystopian novel is a story relating to or denoting an imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one. 1984 by George Orwell, is indeed a dystopian novel as it describes a nightmare vision of future society which is opposite to a perfect world. George Orwell creates this image using a few different techniques including, the language or style, the setting, characterization, and oppression.

A dystopian society is one with restricted freedom, whose values are worshipped by citizens who live in fear of surveillance or punishment. In 1984 by George Orwell, the protagonist lives in a futuristic world, controlled by big brother and the inner party over aspects of human life. In Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Jr, the fear of egalitarian policies, and the dangers of equality take over. In The Purge by James DeMonaco, the citizens relief to self-regulate violence and to protect themselves and their family from the protagonist. All dystopian literature shares similar characteristics, winston which is the protagonist in 1984, he lives in a society where the government takes over and tries to brainwash the citizens making them believe they live in a illusion of a perfect world. Winston is depicted and physically ill, but strong enough not to give in. “Who controls the past controls the future, who controls the present controls the past.” (Orwell 12). George Bergeron is the protagonist in Harrison Bergeron, the government makes him wear a radio, which broadcasts noise over these radios to interrupt the thoughts of smart people like George. ‘’Screams and barking cries of consternation came from the television set’’ (Vonnegut 2). Sergeant was the protagonist in the purge, he risked his life by saving others life for a night of horror. The Purge, Harrison Bergeron, and 1984 were all based off government, society where there is limiting and controlling the population. ‘’We

Oxford dictionary defines dystopia as “an imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically totalitarian or environmentally degraded to one.” In Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and Kurt Vonnegut’s Harrison Bergeron the government uses censorship to make everyone equal. Censorship cause utopian societies to become dystopian due to a false perception of happiness, untruthful statements and strong outliers.

“Atwood’s feminism is an integral part of her critical approach, just as her concept of criticism is inseparable from her creative work” Walter Pache (1). A dystopia is a fictional society, usually existing in a future time period, in which the condition of life is extremely difficult due to deprivation, oppression or terror. In most dystopian fiction, a corrupt government creates or sustains the poor quality of life, often conditioning the masses to believe the society is proper and just, even perfect.

Dystopian societies starkly resemble our own. They emphasize the idea that if preventive measures are not taken now, there will be turmoil later. They serve as a reminder that if the weakness and passions of man are pursued, disorder will be fostered.

Dystopian literature has been described as fiction that shows a negative perspective without the limits of society and mankind. Utopian works ordinarily sketch a future in which innovation enhances the regular life of people and advances human

These works contain characteristics of a dystopian society resembling Michael Bay’s society from The Island. Characteristics of a dystopian society define what a dystopian society resembles. Dystopian controls tell readers what rules guide citizens in those societies and who runs the society. The controls of a dystopian society occur throughout the works and give off an illusion of a “perfect” society. Lastly, each exquisite dystopian work of literature needs an exquisite dystopian protagonist similar to Ender from Ender’s Game or Mr. Mead from “The Pedestrian”.

A dystopian society, usually illusory, is the reverse of an idyllic utopia: it is generally tyrannical and inhibited. Dystopian societies mirror our future- they are usually a hyperbolic familiar society with satirical exaggeration. This kind of literature is written to amend other people 's idea of the kind of society they should thrive for. As well as that, they are written to express their concerns about the future and humanity. Societies of this nature appear in many works of fiction, predominantly in novels set in a speculative future. Dystopian culture is often mused by societal collapse, dehumanization, poverty, and deprivation.

Popular literature often reflects society’s beliefs and struggles, and dystopian fiction is once again gaining popularity. From Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro to Hulu’s reimagining of The Handmaid’s Tale, written by Margaret Atwood, and all the young adult dystopias in between, one does not have to search far to find a unique dystopian read. While every dystopia is different, these novels have similar characteristics that define their genre.

Dystopian fiction, much like Children of Men, Snowpiercer, and Elysium, are often viewed as merely action-packed, thriller films that are predominantly shot for the sake of pleasing the masses and bringing in the paycheck. However, I believe there is more to it then universal partiality of a post-apocalyptic storyline. Dystopias should be viewed as warning tales that can influence our society in positive ways with the usage of a negative plot. The genre helps emphasize on important ethical principles about the freedoms we find central, and helps rally people against injustice. The ultimate reason directors create such disheartening cinema is to challenge the current issues in our contemporary society that they are certain hold a lot of weight in determining our future. (Naam). In other words, dystopian fiction asks audiences: what will the future look like if we continue down our current path?

Dystopian literature and film has been quite a popular genre for readers. In most texts, they are set in a post-apocalyptic or dystopian world where the protagonist struggles to fit into these corrupted worlds and these protagonists rebel because they feel like the government has turned their backs on them, leaving them treated unfairly. The protagonist fight back in the hopes of restoring society to its sensible state. All the main protagonists in the plots are put into inhumane situations as they are controlled by the government in order to fit their ideas and beliefs or just the plain simple reason, for their own entertainment. Through the actions and perspective of these protagonists, it shows a reflection of how we deal with certain issues

Dystopian literature established the basis of a modern day science fiction novel manuscripts reflecting a merge between previous books and today society conflicts. Critics determined that twenty-century culture conflicts and deterioration open the door for the writer’s imagination determining the parameters to develop a dystopian society mostly similar to the actual. The boom of dystopian novels and works was the response of a government crisis, worldwide conflicts and society oppression due to the loss of hope and a chaotic loneliness. For the reader and writers, dystopia is not a far destiny, on the contrary, is what they are living in the past, present and uncertainty future. Society is confronting an enormous challenge working together as a piece or breaking the pieces and became the copy of one of the most popular movies such as Divergent, Hunger Games or The Giver.