Bell Work

Based on the stories and novels we have read this year, what are some characteristics of dystopian literature? Make a list of everything you can think of.

The next few slides will have images of either a utopia or dystopia. After studying the pictures, I want you to tell me what each image represents and why.

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Dystopian Literature: Characteristics

An Overview

Utopia

Dystopia

A place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs, and conditions.

A futuristic, imagined universe in which the illusion of a perfect society is maintained through some form of control.

Characteristics of a Dystopia

1. A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society.

3. Citizens live in a dehumanized state.

2. Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance.

4. Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad.

Characteristics of a Dystopia

5. Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.

7. Citizens have a fear of the outside world.

6. Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.

8. The natural world is banished and distrusted.

Characteristics of a Dystopia

9. The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

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Real Life Dystopias of the 20th Century

Soviet Communism

German Nazism

Western Consumerism

Technological mass production

Soviet Communism

• Political system of social engineering working for a classless society of equals
• Individual liberties were taken away from citizens because the government thought people could not be trusted to make decisions for themselves
• Atheist worldview: Religious worship was suppressed

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German Nazism

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• Movement led by Adolf Hitler to lead Germany out of its post-WWI depression
• A pure race (Aryans) were thought to be superior
• “Final solution” included eliminating whole races of people (e.g., Jews) and religion
• The Aryan military class executed Jews, disabled people, the elderly, Catholic priests, and all dissenters
• Doctors carried out experiments on non-Aryan patients (including pregnant women), treating them as sub-species animals

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Western Consumerism

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• A social and economic order that is based on the systematic creation and fostering of a desire to purchase goods and services in ever greater amounts.
• People purchasing goods and consuming materials in excess of their basic needs
• Characterized by propaganda and advertising everywhere
• “Who owns you?”

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Technological mass production

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• Product of the Industrial Revolution
• Production of large amounts of standardized products, including and especially on assembly lines
• Contributed to consumerism
• Henry Ford’s Model T was the first mass produced car.

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The Dystopian Writers

• Reacted against one or more of the many 20th century movements to alter human society
• Believed “the more man controls nature, the less he controls himself”
• Warned against the “evil ends” that our technological advances could be used for.
• Created futuristic worlds that showed the potential dangers of the new 20th century movements.

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“The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury

• Annotate the text AND
• Come up with at least 2 discussion questions

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