Utopia vs. DystopiaPartials as a Dystopia

What is an Utopia? Literally it means “a place that does not

exist” Basically it is the “perfect” society Utopistic narratives involve the descriptions

of societies similar to the author’s own society, but better. That means the society is similar to ours, but functions more ideally.

Basic Points in a Utopian Novel: The story is set in an isolated place The story is developed by following the

principles of that place/society In the place/society there is a ruling class A tragic development occurs in contrast

with what the reader expects

What is a Dystopia? A futuristic, imagined universe in which

oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control. Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system.

Basic Points in a Dystopia A hierarchical society where divisions

between the upper, middle and lower classes are definitive and unbreakable (Caste system).

The propaganda and the educational system have the purpose of preserving the order of system/society.

The cancellation of individuality.

Basic Traits in a 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.

Dystopian Traits Cont. 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.

Types of Control in a Dystopian Society Bureaucratic control: Society is controlled by a

mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials.

Technological control: Society is controlled by technology—through computers, robots, and/or scientific means.

Philosophical/religious control: Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government.

Dystopian Protagonist 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 in which he or she lives. helps the audience recognizes the negative

aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective.

PartialsReference Points

Niccolò Machiavelli an Italian historian, politician, diplomat,

philosopher, humanist, and writer Founder of modern political science;

specifically focused on ethics "Machiavellianism" is a negative term used

to characterize immoral politicians

Robert Brown Botanist Credited with Brownian Motion or partical

theory Theory is the random motion of particles

suspended in a fluid (a liquid or a gas) resulting from their collision with the quick atoms or molecules in the gas or liquid

Segregation The practice or policy of keeping people of

different races, religions, etc., separate from each other

In the mid-1800’s, blacks were separated from whites by law and by private action

Blacks and whites had to use separate transportation, public accommodations, recreational facilities, prisons, armed forces, and schools in both Northern and Southern states

Totalitarianism The political concept that the citizen should be totally

subject to an absolute state authority. Form of government that subordinates all aspects of its

citizens' lives to the authority of the state, with a single charismatic leader as the ultimate authority.

Large-scale, organized violence may be legitimized. The police operate without the constraint of laws and

regulations. Where pursuit of the state's goal is the only ideological

foundation for such a government, achievement of the goal can never be acknowledged.

ThemesAfter writing with the author, the

following are the themes that Dan Wells thought should be mentioned

and discussed.

Themes Freedom vs. Security. At what point does the safety of

a group overrule the rights of an individual? It's not 'always' (because we believe in personal freedom), and it's not 'never' (because we don't believe in outright anarchy), so where's the line? Is it even possible to define one clearly?

Reproductive Rights. What is your opinion of the Hope Act? Would you consent to live under it? How far would you go to oppose it?

Themes Cont. When is it wrong to disobey authority?

When is it okay to disobey authority? When is it vital to disobey authority?

What does it mean to be human?

Themes Cont. How far are you willing to go to do what you know is

right? The book doesn't really have any villains: Kira and the Senate and the Voice are all trying to save the human race from extinction, and they all have completely opposed methods of doing that, but are any of them inherently 'right' or 'wrong'? If the alternative is human extinction, would otherwise immoral behaviors become justified, or even moral? How does the weight of a crisis distort traditional definitions of morality?