Dystopian Unseen

Give six dystopian texts with an urban environment.

• Divergent (Veronica Roth)

• Girlcrush (Florence Given, 2023)

• Just Do It! (Heather Lindsley, 2006)

• Is This Your Day To Join The Revolution? (Genevieve Valentine)

• The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas (Ursula Le. Guin)

• The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

Give two dystopian texts with a clinical setting.

• The Wanting Seed (Anthony Burgess)

• When She Woke (Hilary Jordan)

How does Animal Farm (George Orwell, 1945) present class divides/segregation?

segregated society with two sections: the farm and the Big House

How does Divergent (Veronica Roth) present class divides/segregation?

factions; surrounded by a wall that separates them from the wider world

How does The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins) present class divides/segregation?

districts group people leading to class divides

Give two dystopias that display patriarchal society

• The Lottery (Shirley Jackson)

• The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood)

How does O Happy Day by Geoff Ryman display matriarchal society?

 the women control society and watch the men through cameras; men are deemed too violent/dangerous; being gay is encouraged as a result

Give a dystopia with a village setting

The Lottery (Shirley Jackson)

How does 'Just Do It' by Heather Lindsley portray governmental control?

The story shows governmental control through government-mandated darts that influence people’s behaviour, demonstrating direct interference in personal autonomy.

In 'Ten With A Flag' by Joseph Paul Haines, how does the government create a false illusion of autonomy?

The government uses the Flag to decide whether citizens can have children, making people feel like they have a choice while ultimately controlling their decisions.

What is another way (not the flags) the government exerts control in 'Ten With A Flag'?

The government has the power to take control of citizens' cars, symbolizing a lack of individual freedom and complete governmental oversight.

How does George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' illustrate totalitarianism?

The novel serves as an allegory for the Russian Revolution, showing how a rebellion can lead to a dictator forming out of the perversion of equality.

How does 'From Homogeneous To Honey' depict the theme of governmental control?

The government slowly removes all homosexual influences, enforcing sameness under the illusion of a "utopia," making people easily controlled.

In 'Just Do It' by Heather Lindsley, how does technology exert control over individuals?

CraveTech technology manipulates people's food cravings and gradually extends to control their minds, leading to forced relationships and parental manipulation using government-mandated darts.

How does 'Girlcrush' by Florence Given depict technological control through social media?

The novel portrays people’s addiction to Wonderland, a social media site where they are 'plugged in,' causing them to live double lives and become dependent on technology for their identity.

How is technology used to determine social status in 'Ten With A Flag' by Joseph Paul Haines?

Technology analyzes the cell life of future children, assigning them a rating from one to ten to determine their significance to society, while a flag forces parents to make a sacrifice to have their child.

In 'Ten With A Flag,' what is another way technology allows the government to control individuals?

The government has the ability to take control of citizens’ cars and other technology, demonstrating its complete oversight and ability to manipulate daily life.

How does technology serve both helpful and oppressive roles in 'Peter Skilling' by Alex Irvine?

While technology administers medicine, provides medical information, and acts as legal counsel, it is also used for surveillance and later weaponized against Peter Skilling in his trial.

What is the role of technology in 'The G-Sus Gene' by Joanne Harris?

Technology takes control in its pursuit of enlightenment, torturing a man believed to carry the 'G-Sus Gene,' showcasing its ruthless nature in the search for Nirvana.

In 'Just Do It' by Heather Lindsley, how does the main character embody rebellion and how does this contrast other characters?

The protagonist initially incites rebellion against government-mandated darts but ultimately uses them, demonstrating the complex nature of resistance. Sandra, however, remains a true symbol of rebellion, fighting against Tom and CraveTech.

How does Tris Prior in 'Divergent' symbolize rebellion?

Tris defies societal expectations by being Divergent and further rebels by choosing Dauntless, a faction that embodies bravery and nonconformity.

How does Katniss Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games' stand as a symbol of rebellion?

Katniss challenges the Capitol’s oppression by ensuring both she and Peeta survive the games, later becoming the Mockingjay, a powerful emblem of resistance.

How does 'Animal Farm' depict rebellion?

The animals overthrow Mr. Jones, seizing control of the farm, mirroring the Russian Revolution and its struggles with leadership and oppression.

What does 'The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas' reveal about rebellion?

Those who leave Omelas demonstrate rebellion by rejecting a corrupt societal system, choosing exile over complicity.

How does Johnny Doe in 'Is This Your Day To Join The Revolution?' symbolize rebellion?

Johnny fights against the social structure and the false belief in a disease, representing the everyman’s struggle against systemic control. Liz also rebels through her deception, protecting her relationship with Greg, who resists societal norms due to his sexuality.

How does Beatrice Johanna in 'The Wanting Seed' show her rebellious nature?

She openly criticizes the enforced expectation of homosexuality, vocalizes her disagreement with her forced abortion, and struggles to conform, making her more of a nuisance than a threat.

What are examples of rebellion in 'The Funeral' by Kate Wilhelm?

Carla rebels by striking the chair rather than Lucy, whom she is expected to punish. Her ultimate rebellion is escaping with Lucy, mirroring the extreme resistance of a girl who fled the center and was stoned to death.

How does the protagonist of 'Pervert' express rebellion?

His love for a woman challenges societal norms, and his interruption of a hydrosexual marriage in pursuit of her marks an explicit act of defiance.

How is rebellion shown in 'O Happy Day!'?

Ray resists authority by interacting with surveillance cameras in defiance and refusing to submit to Lou’s control.

How is control of bodily autonomy shown in Heather Lindsey's Just Do It?

People have no control over their bodily functions after being shot by CraveTech technology and will have to buy the food they are craving to survive

How is control of bodily autonomy shown in Joseph Paul Haines' Ten With A Flag?

False illusion of bodily autonomy w/ the decision of abortiin based on the existence of a Flag, except you cannot actually make the decision to have an abortion - the govt decides for you

How is control of bodily autonomy shown in The Wanting Seed by Anthony Burgess?

The main character is forced to have an abortion as a result of population control; motherhood rations; the lowest classes are mothers not the upper class

How is religious control shown in Pervert by Charles Coleman Finley?

Heterosexuality is banned because of the Holy Book which states men and women cannot touch each other

How is religious control shown in the G-Sus Gene by Joanne Harris?

Robots search for God and religious enlightenment by torturing a man who they claim will be the Second Coming, Jesus and God all in one

How is memory shown in Peter Skilling?

Peter relies on his memories of the past but is not caught up to date with the modern world which leads to his ultimate demise

How is memory shown in Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood?

Snowman can remember sunrises that were nice, suggesting that it is a recent dystopia; continues to perform regular activities like looking at his watch

His memory shown in the Funeral by Kate Wilhelm?

The girls who attended Madam Trudeau’s lessons are forced to write down everything she ever said - idolise and venerate people after death; reliance upon memories of people; the things she said add to the dystopia - the cave?

How is identity shown in Ten With A Flag by Joseph Paul Haines?

Your role is decided for you before you are born based on your cell life

How is identity shown in From Homogenous to Honey?

LGBT erasure through censorship of books, plays, adverts and films that show a non accurate worldview; everyone looks and acts the same and loves the opposite gender creating the illusion of a utopia

How is identity shown in Florence Given’s Girlcrush?

People have a dual personality - who they are on Wonderland and in reality; people use false names - people's identity because who they are online, suppressing their real selves

How is identity shown in Pervert?

People are either hydrosexuals or homosexuals; heterosexuality is not a thing - the main character does not feel included in society as he has sexual feedings towards a woman; his sexual feelings are not deemed valid

How is identity shown in O Happy Day?

People are meant to be gay; heterosexual men are killed for being too violent

How is identity presented in The Wanting Seeed?

Being gay is encouraged among the upper classes to control population size

How is identity presented in The Funeral?

Women are shamed for undergoing puberty; roles in society are decided for women

How is Is This Your Day To Join The Revolution? disease ridden or post pandemic dystopia?

People have to wear masks on them at all times; warnings are given out as to how bad the spread of disease/number of germs in the air is; people are given pills on corners of streets to protect them from the disease; the disease is supposedly fake according to Johnny Doe

How is the power of tradition shown in Baby cakes by Neil Gaiman?

The tradition of eating animals evolved into tradition of eating babies until all of the babies are gone

How is the power of tradition shown in Red Card by SL Gilbow?

Tradition that people are given a red card and a gun to be able to kill one person of their choice

How is the power of tradition shown in Divergent?

The aptitude test and subsequent choosing of a faction at the age of 16 is tradition; if you do not fit into a category on the aptitude test you are viewed as dangerous

How is the power of tradition shown in The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas?

It is tradition that one child must suffer for the rest of society to love in utopia; it is also tradition that children are taken to visit the child in order to understand the nature of society

How is the power of tradition shown in The Funeral by Kate Wilhelm?

Teachers are presented as holding importance and special roles. They inflict violence on students who do not confirm to the rules. This is passed on to Carla, though she does not agree with it. This highlights the perversion of power through the power of tradition

How is environmental destruction shown in Animal Farm by George Orwell?

The destruction of the world in the farm can be viewed as a symbol of environmental destruction, with animal revolt as an aspect of destruction of the normalcy of nature

How is environmental destruction shown in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

The kipple that is slowly destroying the planet and the extinction of the species highlights environmental destruction

How is environmental destruction shown in Oryx and Crake?

Mankind has left a lasting impact on nature; Atwood uses contrasting images of human structures with natural structures to highlight the destruction of nature

How is environmental destruction shown in Baby cakes?

All of the animals are gone - a clear sign of environmental destruction; an extended metaphor for the negative impact mankind has upon the planet

How is environmental destruction shown in Authority?

Uses imagery of a branchy tree covered in Christmas lights to highlight the impact of mankind on nature; animals have their own communities amongst them; the water is polluted; animals that are more endangered are solitary - symbol of rebellion

How is surveillance shown in Is This Your Day To Join The Revolution?

People are watched to make sure they are acting the way they are supposed to; Liz and Geoff have to act romantic in public so their relationship is not found out to be fake

How is surveillance shown in Divergent?

People are watched to make sure they are not divergent; for example, during the testing phases at Dauntless, Tris has to act a certain way to ensure they do not find out she is Divergent/thinks differently

How is surveillance shown in Girlcrush?

People are constantly watching Eartha because of her Wonderland personality; her online self leads to her constantly being watched and surveyed by others, even leading to a woman sleeping with her in order to see her house

How is surveillance shown in Ten With A Flag?

Government looks into the cell life of a child in order to predict it's future; can control where your car goes and watches what you do; also control whether you have an abortion or not and will kill you if you go against their rules

How is surveillance used in Peter Skilling?

Technology is used as a form of surveillance; claimed not to be used to prove whether a person is guilty or not; but is later used in Peters trial to prove he was a member of the Green Party

How is the theme of survival shown in Divergent?

 As a divergent, Tris Prior has to fight to survive when she could be killed if she is found out

How is the theme of survival shown in The Lottery?

People argue amongst themselves to survive the Lottery; winning the Lottery means death

How is the theme of survival shown in Babycakes?

eating babies becomes an element of survival; people question what they will do without animals; when all the babies run out it becomes a new question of how humanity will survive

How is the theme of survival shown in Gilbow’s Red Card?

the main character uses her red card to kill her husband in order to survive

How is the theme of survival shown in Amaryllis?

 the story is set in a future where society is strictly controlled by birth and fishing quotas - discusses the balance between autonomy and survival in a world where resources are scarce

How is the theme of survival shown in O Happy Day?

the characters conform to governmental control in order to survive, pretending to be gay in order to survive in a world where men are killed for being viewed as too violent

How does 'Just Do It' by Heather Lindsley illustrate emotional control?

People's emotions and cravings are controlled by government-mandated darts. Alex is manipulated by Tom, transitioning from opposing the darts to using them, showing confusion and a loss of autonomy.

How does 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson depict the destruction of emotions?

The story highlights normalized violence, where even children participate in stoning a victim to death, demonstrating how societal traditions strip people of empathy.

How do people control their emotions in 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick?

Individuals manipulate their emotions through a mood organ, while empathy boxes provide a way to experience artificial emotion. Rick Deckard is portrayed as a cold-hearted killer, and androids lack true emotions.

What does 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' suggest about empathy?

People display more emotional attachment to animals than to other humans, revealing a distorted sense of empathy in a technologically controlled world.

How does 'Babycakes' by Neil Gaiman portray emotional suppression?

People disregard their emotions and morality to consume babies as food, emphasizing how society can normalize horrific actions when feelings are suppressed.

What moral dilemma is explored in 'The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas' by Ursula Le Guin?

People initially feel anger at a suffering child but ultimately grow used to the cruelty, rationalizing it for the ‘greater good,’ serving as a critique of utilitarian ethics.

How does 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley show emotional manipulation from infancy?

Babies are tortured to make them conform to society, stripping them of natural curiosity and replacing it with conditioned fear. The Director expresses satisfaction at their suffering, highlighting society’s emotional desensitization.

How does 'Is This Your Day To Join The Revolution?' depict relationship control?

Doctors decide who people marry based on compatibility and likelihood of having children. The phrase "Is it time for a date?" relates to attempts at pregnancy, reinforcing societal pressure to conform to heterosexual norms.

How is the relationship between GhostBird and Control monitored in 'Authority' by Jeff VanderMeer?

Despite Control's feelings for GhostBird, their relationship is kept professional and closely observed. When he takes her to the holding pond, three security members accompany them, showing that personal connections are strictly regulated.

How does 'Pervert' by Charles Coleman Finley enforce relationship control?

Heterosexual relationships are banned under the Holy Book, meaning people can only be hydrosexual or homosexual, restricting personal freedom in romantic choices.

How does the government control relationships in 'Amarillys' by Carrie Vaugh?

Birth quotas regulate who can have children, and families are forcibly split if they have an illegal baby, demonstrating strict oversight of personal relationships.

What form of relationship control is seen in 'O Happy Day!' by Geoff Ryman?

Society encourages homosexuality while discouraging relationships between men and women, who are perceived as violent, showing forced manipulation of personal identities.

How does 'The Wanting Seed' by Anthony Burgess illustrate enforced relationship control?

The upper classes are forced to be gay as part of population control strategies, with propaganda such as "It's Sapien to be Homo" reinforcing this expectation.

How is perception of reality skewed in 'O Happy Day!'?

People must convince themselves that the bodies in trucks are not real. Additionally, individuals gain power by pretending to be something they are not, such as identifying as gay to fit societal expectations.

How does 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' explore the distortion of reality?

Reality is blurred as people rely on drugs and mood organs. The distinction between human and android is difficult, with some androids unaware of their own nature.

How is Eartha’s perception of reality manipulated in 'Girlcrush'?

Wonderland distorts Eartha’s sense of reality, making her uncertain about who she can trust and whether her memories of events are genuine.

How does 'The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas' challenge the perception of reality?

Society appears to be a utopia but is actually a dystopia sustained by the suffering of a single child, revealing the deceptive nature of apparent perfection.

How is perception of reality distorted in 'Evidence of Love In A Case of Abandonment'?

The daughter selectively reveals information, distorting the reader’s perception of reality, while her search for the truth highlights how information is controlled in society.

How is perception of reality distorted in 'The Wanting Seed'?

Propaganda alters people's understanding of reality, grief skews perceptions, and individuals pretend to conform by feigning homosexuality, making it hard to separate truth from deception.

How does 'Peter Skilling' illustrate a distorted perception of reality?

Peter relies on information provided by robots but lacks a reliable memory, making it difficult for him to grasp the rules of the new world after having been dead for so long.