Dystopian novels, defined as a novel genre centered around corrupted government control, usually have similar patterns in their main plots. 1984 by George Orwell is about a government known as “The Party”. which controls every aspect of everyone’s lives, Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. is about a man who rises above the government’s control, which is in pace to make everyone totally equal, and Idiocracy, directed by Mike Judge, is about a man with average intelligence, who travels 500 years into the future to discover that he is the smartest man in the world. The one thing that all of these dystopian novels have in common is that the plot centers on the corruption of the control regarding the elites of the societies portrayed in the …show more content…
For instance, in 1984, there are daily social gatherings that the Party requires all civilians to attend, called “Two Minutes Hate”, where people cheer on against the Party’s war enemies with “processions, meetings, [and] military parades” (Orwell 122), despite the fact that these gatherings are against the best interest of the people. In Harrison Bergeron, George and Hazel watch as their son dies on television, and when George notices Hazel why she’s crying, she says she forgets and says, “Something real sad on television” (Vonnegut 5), because she is so low in intelligence that she forgot a pivotal moment of her life within a matter of seconds, due to the government’s control. In Idiocracy, all people are following a bandwagon of obvious stupidity, when they all agree with each other that Brawndo, an energy drink in the society of Idiocracy, is the best thing for their plants. When none of the plants grow, the government simply says that it’s due to a bad season, and the people believe it. The governments of these ignorant societies usually take advantage of the ignorance to impose oppressive laws to the people with propaganda and other mind controlling …show more content…
These brainwashing techniques vary between propaganda, technology, and forceful bandwagon campaigns. For example, in 1984, posters cover the wall saying “WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH”, (Orwell 7) which are meant to harass the civilians to drill in their minds what the government believes is right, even if it is against the civilian’s beliefs. The government in Harrison Bergeron places handicaps on citizens who have above average advantages over other citizens in order to make everyone average, and to ensure that nobody is any better than anyone else. For instance, George’s intelligence is slightly above others, so he has a “little mental handicap radio in his ear” (Vonnegut 1). For a final example, in Idiocracy, the energy drink company Brawndo bought out the United States FDA, FCC, and USDA in order to be able to completely control government sanctioned nutrition and consumption regulations in order to force everyone in society to indulge in their drinks. However, through all this ignorance, the protagonist of these dystopian novels all seem to share a similar pattern of not letting themselves be a part of the aforementioned common
The trend in dystopian societies is very intriguing and so vivid. Dystopian societies dictate many characteristics as leaders and followers usually one coming out from the shade to lead their small groups to rebel against order. Through, James Dashner literature the maze runner series he greatly displays challenges of the protagonist in a fallen society. He also takes his text to the next level by being able to display hopelessness in a series of challenges, with struggles with fear in courage as the protagonist in the book go through their trenches, long and dangerous journey. Basically the control the dystopian society creates. Since their beginning they all went through the same thing. On pg. 1. “he began his new life standing up, surrounded
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 1984 written by George Orwell. This novel contains ambiguous symbols such as Big Brother, the Godlike ruler of Oceania. Aspects such as this contribute to the nature of dystopian genres. After analyzing concepts such as the all knowing Big Brother and the telescreens that are required by the government, the reader notices dystopian aspects. Accordingly, the setting of the city and symbols in everyday life expand the readers view of dystopian aspects. Orwell uses literary devices such as setting, symbolism, and euphemisms in order to portray a dystopian genre through the use of Big Brother, the city Oceania and its citizens, and other concepts in the novel. The government in 1984 controls its population by creating a setting where no one has the freedom to act without a someone watching them. The government does this by requiring all citizens of the Party to own a telescreen. By monitoring the activities of members of the party, the government can keep citizens obedient and
What does it take to build a dystopia? Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 proposes that it is people who create a dystopia and looking around at our world today (I’m talking about you, America), it’s not hard to see the truth in this idea. The creation of a dystopia begins with a culture of anti-intellectual sentiment, in which logic, science and thought become less relevant to the general population. The anti-intellectualism is furthered by an endless stream of mindless entertainment, saturating the minds of the people. The end result is a society of the willfully ignorant, ready to be controlled and manipulated by whoever so desires.
Although many people believe that naivety is good, it can be very easily exploited by corrupt leaders. Naivety makes it very easy for a corrupt leader to take control of a society. Naivety makes it very effortless for leaders to manipulate the citizens to believe anything. Such as, the leader can lead them to do something for themselves, but instead on help the wellbeing of the government or leader. Similarly, George Orwell, author of the historical allegory Animal Farm, takes a dim view on how leaders can manipulate the citizen’s naivety. Orwell suggests that complete devotion to an ideal and being manipulative lead to loss of freedom and equality in a society.
A dystopian society is one with restricted freedom, whose values are worshipped by citizens who live in fear of surveillance or punishment. In 1984 by George Orwell, the protagonist lives in a futuristic world, controlled by big brother and the inner party over aspects of human life. In Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Jr, the fear of egalitarian policies, and the dangers of equality take over. In The Purge by James DeMonaco, the citizens relief to self-regulate violence and to protect themselves and their family from the protagonist. All dystopian literature shares similar characteristics, winston which is the protagonist in 1984, he lives in a society where the government takes over and tries to brainwash the citizens making them believe they live in a illusion of a perfect world. Winston is depicted and physically ill, but strong enough not to give in. “Who controls the past controls the future, who controls the present controls the past.” (Orwell 12). George Bergeron is the protagonist in Harrison Bergeron, the government makes him wear a radio, which broadcasts noise over these radios to interrupt the thoughts of smart people like George. ‘’Screams and barking cries of consternation came from the television set’’ (Vonnegut 2). Sergeant was the protagonist in the purge, he risked his life by saving others life for a night of horror. The Purge, Harrison Bergeron, and 1984 were all based off government, society where there is limiting and controlling the population. ‘’We
In this world what people often forget about that a human can do is cause mass destruction, things one should remember can be forgotten easily and just as fast as it came it leave, this can be seen in the books around us. Authors share their opinion through the words they write talking about society and how if we keep going the direction we are going we will find ourselves in deep trouble, the messages authors are trying to send can be seen through social commentary, many books have powerful messages behind them; especially in dystopian novels and movies. They show these messages through diction,syntax, imagery, and character development; for examples the books and movies; Fahrenheit 451, Incarceron, Wall-E, and Hunger games. The authors Ray Bradbury, Catherine Fisher, Andrew Stanton, and Suzanne Collins all convey a message through their works through syntax, diction, camera angles, and imagery; emphasizing their warnings of what they fear may happen.
How would the world survive if the government controlled us? In 1984 and Harrison Bergeron, the government gained control over its citizens by using a telescreen or television and if they have any thoughts, it would be interrupted. In the book by George Orwell and in the short story by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., they both wanted to show how the government controlled the citizens in a dystopian society. To gain control, the government uses total equality in Harrison Bergeron and in 1984, the government uses totalitarianism.
Information and knowledge equals power. When one can control the dissemination of information, they can control the people affected by it. In his dystopian novel, 1984, George Orwell portrays children as being programmed to turn against their families just as children in today’s society are brainwashed into falsely accusing a once-loved parent in Parental Alienation cases.
humanity due to factors such as war, famine and poverty criticize current global issues while also
On the other hand, in Diana Moon Glampers's government, all people with higher than "average intelligence" are required to wear a little mental handicap radio in one of their ears at all times. This handicap sends out a sharp noise every 20 seconds so that people don't take "unfair advantage of their brains." (Vonegut). It interrupts the thinking process of the individual by momentarily stunning them, after which the individual forgets about what he/ she was thinking. This does not mean that free thought is restricted. It is not! People can think about anything at any moment of time and won't be convicted as guilty for it. They are less of puppets and more of individuals. However, taking off the mental handicap time at any given point is punishable. The punishment is not as bad as that issued by the Party for thoughtcrime. Also, the government would never know if someone took off their
The novels Utopia by Thomas More and 1984 by George Orwell and short story Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut explore the Utopic and Dystopic genre through the structure and regulations of their societies. In Utopia, More provides us with a contemporary understanding of society and human nature, with an indepth study of morals, values and beliefs in England around the Renaissance Era. 1984 was published while the Second World War was fresh in people’s minds, creating fears amongst society with Orwell emphasizing the possibility of such a dehumanised and controlled
Moreover, Orwell uses the technique of loaded words to develop his theme of thoughts being controlled. “With a tremulous murmur that sounded like “My Savior!” She extended her arms toward the screen. Then she buried her face in her hands. It was apparent that she was uttering a prayer” (Orwell 16). Citizens are brainwashed and controlled to have deep feelings about Big Brother and that it is everything. Other citizens are also brainwashed the same way because they see others doing this and follow the people around them, “The horrible thing about 2 Minutes Hate was not that one was obliged to act a part, but that it was impossible to avoid joining in” (Orwell 11). Peer pressure makes people think it is right to do many things. “Controlling minds and truth is ultimate power. Truth is subordinated to the Party” (Davis 250). Fake history is also created. Citizens will believe anything the Party puts in books. Their minds are too controlled to rebel against the party. Fake enemies are also created. It relieves the citizens’ anger when they are allowed to say anything against them. It is shown that Orwell uses the technique of loaded words to expand his theme of controlling thoughts.
Secondly, the use of subconscious persuasion for stability is a form of brainwashing that diminishes the citizen’s abilities to think for themselves. The World State attempts to precondition their citizens to their desired moral teachings as early as possible. They attempt to do this through a repetition of phrases into the citizens’ brains while they sleep. “’But all these suggestions are our suggestions!’ The director almost shouted in his triumph” (Huxley 29). It is important to note that in order to maintain stability, the World State has again, put their own agenda before the humanity of their citizens. “Hypnopaedia, if it is effective, would be a tremendously powerful instrument in the hands of anyone in a position to impose suggestions
A dystopian society, usually illusory, is the reverse of an idyllic utopia: it is generally tyrannical and inhibited. Dystopian societies mirror our future- they are usually a hyperbolic familiar society with satirical exaggeration. This kind of literature is written to amend other people 's idea of the kind of society they should thrive for. As well as that, they are written to express their concerns about the future and humanity. Societies of this nature appear in many works of fiction, predominantly in novels set in a speculative future. Dystopian culture is often mused by societal collapse, dehumanization, poverty, and deprivation.
Popular literature often reflects society’s beliefs and struggles, and dystopian fiction is once again gaining popularity. From Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro to Hulu’s reimagining of The Handmaid’s Tale, written by Margaret Atwood, and all the young adult dystopias in between, one does not have to search far to find a unique dystopian read. While every dystopia is different, these novels have similar characteristics that define their genre.