DYSTOPIAN LITERATURE Presentation by Group-8 UTOPIA VS. DYSTOPIA Utopia It is defined by the dictionary as “an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.” Merriam Webster defined this word as “an imaginary and indefinitely remote place or a place of ideal perfection in laws, government and socia conditions. Utopia This word was first used in Thomas More’s “Utopia” (1516). In this book, he discussed his travels and tales of a fictional island society in the Atlantic Ocean. Sir Thomas More was the first person to use the term “utopia,” describing an ideal, imaginary world in his most famous work of fiction. His book describes a complex community on an island, in which people share a common culture and way of life The Utopian society in More’s book is made idyllic by the following: First, they do not pardon violence and wars. As much as possible, they try to avoid both. Second, they have respect for other religions. They have one church for everyone but the priests provide similarities among all the religions present Third is the value they hold for life. Utopians believe that the soul is immortal and that there is an existence of an afterlife. -They believe in slavery and justice. These slaves can never be bought. They are chained, but their children are allowed to live among Utopians. Dystopia is characterized as imperfect and where things go terribly wrong. Most of the prevailing themes in this type of literature involve rebellion, oppression, revolutions, wars, overpopulation and disasters Characteristics and Functions of Dystopian Literature The following are the prominent characteristics of dystopian literature: 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 PROTAGONIST ELEMENTS OF DYSTOPIAN LITERATURE BACKSTORY CONFLICT CLIMAX Protagonist The protagonist has the following qualities: 01 02 Often feels trapped and is struggling to escape. Questions the existing social and political systems. 03 04 believes or feels that something is terribly wrong with the society in which he or she lives. Helps the audience recognizes the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective BACKSTORY The fictional world of dystopian literature must showcase the story of how their society or world came to be from the current state of the world. CONFLICT The conflict stems from the leader of the dystopian world and how the hero perceives him/her/it as something that is causing the wrecking of society. CLIMAX The hero may or may not solve the issues of the society. He or she may or may not fail and the dystopia will continue on despite everything that happened. Types of DYSTOPIAN CONTROLS The worlds depicted in dystopian literature maintains their oppressive societal control and illusion of a perfect society through the following types of controls (ReadWriteThink, 2006): Corporate control – wherein one or more large corporations control society through products, advertising and/or media. Bureaucratic control – wherein a mindless bureaucracy controls the society through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations and incompetent government officials. Technological control – wherein technology controls the society through the use of computers, robots, and/or any scientific means. Philosophical/religious control – wherein a philosophical or religious ideology controls the society and enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government. CORPORATE CONTROL BUREAUCRATIC CONTROL TECHNOLOGICAL CONTROL PHILOSOPHICAL/RELIGIOUS CONTROL X-Men: Days of Future Past(2014) Alita:Battle Angel(2019) Wall-E(2008) THANKS FOR LISTENING Have a good day ahead!
