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Dystopia

What is Dystopian Literature?
Dystopia: a futuristic, imagined universe in
which oppressive societal control and the
illusion of a perfect society are maintained
through corporate, bureaucratic,
technological, moral, or totalitarian control.

What is Dystopian Literature?
Not to be confused with Utopian
literature, which is a place,
state, or condition that is
ideally perfect in respect of
politics, laws, customs, and
conditions.
Dystopias make a criticism
about a current trend, societal
norm, or political system.

Characteristics of Dystopian Society
1. Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.
2. Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.
3. A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society.
4. Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance.
5. Citizens have a fear of or hatred against the outside world.
6. Citizens live in a dehumanized state.
7. The natural world is banished or distrusted.
8. Citizens conform to uniform expectations.
9. Individuality and dissent are BAD
10.The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

Types of Dystopian Control:
Corporate Control: one or more
large companies control society
a. Ex. “Minority Report”
Bureaucratic Control: society is
controlled by a mindless
bureaucracy
b. Ex. “V for Vendetta” or
“1984” or “The Hunger
Games”

Technological Control: society is controlled
by computers or robots
a. Ex. “Terminator,” “I, Robot, “ or “The
Matrix”
Philosophical / Religious Control: society
is controlled by a philosophical or religious
ideology often enforced through a
dictatorship
b. Ex. Delirium by Lauren Oliver or
“Divergent”

Characteristics of 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 or other characters recognize the negative
aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective

North Korea:
A Dystopia
Match examples from the videos with each of the
10 characteristics of a dystopia.

What characteristics of a dystopia are present?
Phones are used as a form of
surveillance.
Anything not approved by
North Korean government is
considered conspiracy.
Restricted access to Internet.
Watch till 2:54

What characteristics of a dystopia are present?
Military march conducted to
instill nationalism.
Citizens are all expected to
march and applaud.

What characteristics of a dystopia are present?
Basic infrastructure is absent.

What characteristics of a dystopia are present?
Afraid of the United States
intervening in their country.

What characteristics of a dystopia are present?
Shedding individualism for
collectivism.
Pictures of the Great Leaders
in every classroom.
Free uniforms. Free education.