Dystopian novels AP Literature

The Definition of Dystopia

A dystopia, as defined by the Oxford dictionary, is:

Animaginedplace or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically atotalitarianorenvironmentallydegradedone.

In literature, dystopian novels are characterized by totalitarian government or other kinds of social control, a complacent general population, and a protagonist who tries to resist the status quo.They often critique a societal or cultural norm.Many early dystopian novels like A Clockwork Orange and 1984 emphasize the dangers of totalitarian government and abuses of power. Many of the more technical elements are outdated, but the central themes remain relevant to society today.

Examples of of Dystopia

Technology

The line between the science fiction and dystopian genres is blurry and sometimes absent. Neuromancer and The Diamond Age are both examples of the cyberpunk genre, and are also dystopian novels. Each one follows a protagonist living in a world dominated by computers and technology, using their knowledge of computers to defysocial rules and norms.This type of novel first arose with the advent of computers, and remains popular today.

Humanity in Terms of Body

Another common theme in dystopian novels is the advancement of technology causing the concept of humanity to be redefined. In Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, androids exist that are so well-made, its impossible to tell them apart from humans. In The Adoration of Jenna Fox, Partials, and Never Let Me Go, there is some kind of procedure through which humans can make human-like constructs that are similar in appearance, biology, and mind to real humans. Never Let Me Go is a particularly interesting example as it shows a world very much like our own, where the dystopian elements are not remarkable but just a part of life.

Environment

Now, as environmental problems loom over us in reality, many dystopian books explore the possible ramifications of ecological disaster. More recent dystopian novels like these place a lot of emphasis on the characters in addition to the setting.

HowThe Handmaids Tale is a Dystopian Novel

The Handmaids Tale has all the common markers of a dystopia: totalitarian government, controls on sex and social interaction, propaganda, oppression, and suspension of basic rights. The Republic of Gilead controlled the public through many means: citizens were given just enough power over others to keep them satisfied, and people on the bottom [Handmaids] were kept too cowed to resist. Religion was used to justify the governments actions and basically brainwash the public. The hanged bodies on the Wall acted as threats to discourage rebellion. Handmaids were further kept from rebellion by not allowing them to read or write.

This book is rather unique among dystopias [especially those from the same era]for its discussion of sex/sexuality, reproductive rights, and feminism. Sex/sexuality [and sexual relationships of all kinds] are the main focus of the totalitarian government inThe Handmaids Tale, as demonstrated by the very existence of Handmaids and the bizarre family structure present in most houses. It also directly addressed homosexuality in a sex-controlling society, something that is rarely mentioned even in non-dystopian novels.The Handmaids Tale tells its story from a female point of view, fully characterizing each female character as well as the men, also unusual for the genre.

All pictures courtesy of Goodreads

Sources:

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//www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/dystopia