A dystopian world
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
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By besskirsi
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