One of the first dystopian novels to become famous was 1984. The concept of dystopian novels is not only to entertain readers, but to let them understand the characteristics and ideas of a dystopian society. Some of these characteristics are shown through our society but at a more drastic level. Basic fears are exaggerated such as the following: distrust of others, disease, contaminated water, nuclear holocaust, etc. The reader can gain more knowledge by finding ways in which the topics the author
manifested in the form of the dystopian novel; the fact that these novels are labelled as "dystopian", which would indicate that they share a set certain characteristics. A good illustration of the similarities of these works, can be found in Orwell's 1984, and Zamyatin's We. For example, some of these certain characteristics in both novels include: a repressive, and totalitarian society; a victim of that government repression; and an attempted to defeat the society. The benefits of this type
interest. The dystopian genre is unique and offers readers both suspense and action with a balance between reality and fantasy. “Dystopian literature is a genre of fictional writing used to explore social and political structures in ‘a dark, nightmare world” (Questia par 1). In order to form this nightmare world, the author must send a message of warning to readers regarding the reality of their characters, often utilizing literary devices to do so. In order to compose the dystopian atmosphere, the
Dystopian DevicesWhen writing a novel, authors use distinct literary devices to aid in making the genre of their story apparent to their reader. Specifically, many use these literary devices to draw attention to details that establish a dystopian genre. A dystopia is somewhere where people lead dehumanized and fearful lives (Merriam-Webster). Furthermore, in dystopian societies, propaganda, societal oppression, and totalitarian control often elicit fear and obedience. An example of this is the novel
A dystopian society is a place or state in which everything is bad or unpleasant. In the book 1984, Oceania, the town where the story takes place, is a complete totalitarian society in which one is constantly being watched. Winston Smith, the main character of the book, is videotaped wherever he goes, including his house, work, and around town. Just about everything is illegal, including thoughtcrime, so just thinking about doing something wrong can get you in trouble. One day he meets up with Julia
In films and novels such as The Giver and 1984, a reader or viewer sees the disturbing desires for control and power in dystopian societies. Many dystopian societies congruous to those of Oceania in 1984 and the Community in The Giver, vary in that some can be more violent, controlling, or be ruled by power hungry leaders than others. “Two households, both alike in dignity... From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean...” These two works have many similarities
attention to details that establish a dystopian genre. A dystopia is somewhere where people lead dehumanized and fearful lives (Merriam-Webster). In dystopian societies, propaganda, societal oppression, and totalitarian control often elicit fear and obedience. An example of this is the novel 1984 written by George Orwell. This novel contains ambiguous symbols such as Big Brother, the God-like ruler of Oceania. Aspects such as this contribute to the nature of dystopian genres. After analyzing concepts
Literary Context Dystopian literature presents a chilling and depressing view of the future in which society itself is generally the antagonist of the story and seems to work against the protagonist’s aims and desires. Dystopian literature explores the many problems within our society and uses them to create a dark and nightmare world, in which squalor, poverty or oppression are present. It acts as a cautionary tale for readers and brings to light the many flaws in humanity, which makes it impossible
Setting the Standards of a Genre: An Analysis of 1984 George Orwell’s 1984 depicts a society in which all the people involved are gradually losing all sense of individuality. The novel follows Winston Smith, a member of the outer party in this dystopian society. As an individual, he has been forced to believe the rules of the society he lives in. In Oceania, the country in which he resides, people believe what they are told to believe. Everyone follows the strict beliefs of the party and Big Brother
little freedom to express their own opinions. This is because dictators create societies that they feel are supreme. In order to have an almighty society, each person has to think and behave the same. George Orwell created a dystopian society, Oceania, where the government was controlled by Big Brother. Winston Smith, the main character, slowly realized that the Party, or the government, was manipulating their society to make the Party immortal. Winston presumably wanted to stand up for his beliefs