Dystopia = "bad place"

 

 

the opposite word is Eutopia

 

 

 

The Word Utopia that is commonly used

means "non-existant place".

Genres and themes

Science fiction

Catastrophic  or cataclysmic events

War/Totalitarian regimes

Pandemics/Contagion

Common dystopian themes

Control

Propaganda

Class

Technology

Drugs

Sexuality

Group - individual

Dehumanisation

"Doublespeak"

Post-apocalyptic societies

Dystopian literature is social criticism!

It is important that we understand that even though dystopian novels or stories take place in the future or even on the different planets, the author's intent is to shine a light on what is happening in her or his own society.

 

Always consider what time and circumstance the author is writing about.

The protagonist

"The chosen one"

has abilities that sets him or her apart from others in society.

The conflicted one

is troubled by what they see or experience in their society.

The catalyst

Brings about change by challenging their situation and sometimes causing the downfall of their society.

Winston Smith

Katniss Everdeen

The classics

The rise of the YA dystopian genre!

Why so many Young Adult dystopian themed stories, why now?

Control/surveillance

Class/war/conflict

Pollution/Climate change

Threats of outbreaks/pandemics

Cataclysmic events