Literary Dystopias:

Key Characteristics

Why do we study Dystopian Literature?

• It reveals the immoral nature of society
• It shows the potential for societal change

​

• It can help prevent the further destruction by calling attention to historical dystopian events
• It examines imperfections in the world and analyzes why they exist

Characteristics of Dystopian Society

• Propaganda used to control its citizens.
• Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.
• A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society.
• Citizens are under constant surveillance.

Characteristics cont’d

• Citizens have a fear of the outside world.
• Citizens live in a dehumanized state.
• The natural world is banished and distrusted.

Characteristics cont’d

• Citizens conform to uniform expectations.
• Individuality and dissent are bad.
• The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

The 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 recognize negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective.

How to Recognize a Dystopia