UTOPIAN & DYSTOPIAN LITERATURE

Science Fiction/Fantasy’s Sub-genres:

Utopian Literature Literally translated

means “no place” and “good place”

Definition: A place/state/world that is ideally perfect

Coined by Sir Thomas More

Characteristics:equality for allsocial harmonyeconomic prosperitypolitical stabilityprescriptive

Types of Utopias

The paradise The externally altered world The willed transformation The technological transformation

None of these are mutually exclusive.

“Peach Blossom Spring”

“Peach Blossom Spring” Why can this short story be considered a

utopia? Identify some characteristics of the genre. What is the author’s opinion of perfection? Which type of utopia is described?

“Ecotopia” Why does Weston struggle

to deal with the citizens of Ecotopia?

What do you make of the interaction between Weston and the military man at the bottom of page 218?

Why is citizen pride so important to society?

Why does one group of skiers wear ragged clothing, carry homemade backpacks, and old fashioned skis?

Would you be interested in living in Ecotopia? Why?

On a piece of paper, respond to the following statements:

Define perfect in your own words. Describe your perfect world in detail.

Consider the government and laws in your society○ How does the government maintain order, if there is any

order in your society?Consider human interactions – what are they like?

Is your world attainable? How?

These responses should be roughly 1 handwritten page long and are due tomorrow.

The Line Between Utopia & Dystopia

Thin line between utopia and dystopiaDependent on perspectiveIronyBoth display extremes

Dystopian Literature Literally

translated as “not good place

Definition: A place/state/world that appears perfect, but in reality is oppressive and controlling

Cointed by John Stewart Mill

Dystopian Characteristics use propaganda independent thought and freedom are

restricted conformity is expected nature is feared one person/thing is worshipped social castes surveillance and paranoia illusion of a utopia

Dystopian Characteristics … again

Dystopian Controls Dystopian Protagonist

corporate control bureaucratic control technological control philosophical/religious

control

outsider questions social and

political norms and systems

allows audience to see flaws through his/her perspective

4 Types of Dystopias

The hell The externally altered world The willed transformation The technological transformation

Pop-Culture Dystopias 1984 by George Orwell Animal Farm by George Orwell The Time Machine by H. G. Wells The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess “The Stepford Wives” “Planet of the Apes” “The Matrix” “Terminator” “I, Robot” “RoboCop” “The Walking Dead”