What is UTOPIA ?

•An ideal society•Based on notions of equality, social harmony, economic prosperity, and political stability

Word Origin

• Combination of two Greek words and literally means “no place”

• When pronounced in Latin means “good place”

• Combination of these two meanings informs the way we currently view the word: a place that doesn’t exist and also an ideal place that we can create

Definition of Dystopia

• In its most basic sense the opposite of utopia

• Fictional societies that are incredibly imperfect

• But… not exactly opposite, in that dystopias may contain many of the same elements as utopias- such as intense measures of social control- but these measures are taken to horrific extremes

More Dystopia…

• Subset of anti utopian writing, which satirizes utopian thinking

• Dystopia offers some kind of warning of what will happen should present trends continue.

Characteristics of Dystopian Society

• Propaganda is used to control citizens.

• Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.

• A figurehead is worshipped by the citizens.

• Citizens are under constant surveillance.

• Citizens have fear of the outside world.

• The natural world is banished and distrusted.

Characteristics continued…

• Citizens conform to uniform expectations. individuality and dissent are bad.

• The society is the illusion of a perfect utopian world.

The Protagonist in a Dystopia

• 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;

• Helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world.

Examples of Dystopian Fiction

• 1984 by George Orwell

• Brave New World- Huxley

• Blade Runner

• Minority Report

• The Matrix

• I, Robot

• The Hunger Games