DystopiaThematic Connections:

DYSTOPIA

Click icon to add picture•A fictional society that is undesirable or frightening•Humans lead miserable or fearful lives•Usually an allegory – meant to teach or warn society about harmful ideas or traits

PLOT – One of two directions: Terrible things

happen to the characters: Characters escape

their fate Characters “win”

Terrible things happen to the characters: Characters meat an

untimely end Establishment

“wins”

StructureThree Acts

ACT I ACT II

ACT III

ACT I

ExpositionRules of SocietyCharactersEvent to introduce conflict

(rising action)Something occurs that is

“different”, goes against the norm

ACT II

Rising ActionMain character attempts either

Escape Change

Climax Characters attempts to fulfill dream

and establishment’s attempts to thwart him reach the point where one side must “win”

ACT III

Falling Action/ ResolutionAftermath of climaxTheme derived from resolutionSuccessful escape or change =

Positive ThemeUnsuccessful = Negative Theme

CharactersArchetypes of Dystopian Literature

Powerful Citizen

Representatives of those in control

The “Establishment” of “The Man”

Typical Citizen

Happy with how things are May be

Fiercely patriotic Aware of flaws, but passive Completely unaware

Disenfranchised

Feels deprived by society

Desires to escape or change

May begin novel loving society Key event occurs that

results in an “eye opening”

May posses some trait or characteristic seen as a “flaw” by others in society that allows for change

Point of ViewNarrative Style

From the inside

Almost always told from the “inside” Member of the society itself Or a newcomer adopted by the

society

Philosophical/Thematic Traits

Individual vs. Establishment

The individual is worth nothing Seen as parts of the whole Only as valuable as their

contribution to the society Easily expendable

Singular Power

One person, or one organization, holds all the power

Power is retained through control of Communication Media Education Culture military

Distraction

Popular culture is used to distract society

Allowing/encouraging Consumerism Drug/alcohol use Mass media consumption

Scapegoat

The establishment finds and uses a scapegoat to deflect blame A foreign enemy A

disenfranchised group