Dystopian Literature

Dystopian Literature

This activity will help prepare you for the reading of The Giver.

Poll

In a perfect world, I would want...

• Safety

• Security

• Freedom

• Love

What is a utopia?

Utopia is a novel written by Sir Thomas More in 1516. Essentially, it is supposed to be a perfect world. In reality, perfect worlds are too good to be true. Because in order to gain something good, you have to sacrifice. What can that sacrifice lead to?????

Open Ended

If a utopia is perfection, what do you think a dystopia is?

Dystopian Worlds - As bad as it gets!

Dystopian settings in novels usually have the following characteristics:

futuristic

totalitarian governments

constant surveillance

propaganda is used to create fear

Poll

Here are some famous dystopian worlds. Check all that you are familiar with:

• Hunger Games

• Divergent

• Maze Runner

• Ender's Game

• Among the Hidden

Dystopian Societies...

• The majority have no individual rights.

• Everyone must conform to uniform rules or expectations "for the greater good"

• Nonconformity is often considered a criminal act.

• Books, intellectual thoughts, and the outside world are considered dangerous.

Control Comes From Four Entities in These Novels...

• Corporations control society through the media and advertising

• Bureaucracy - excessive rules and regulations

• Technology, science, and robots

• Religious conformity

Open Ended

What is a protagonist?

Open Ended

What characteristics do you think are common in protagonists in these kinds of books?

Dystopian Protagonists:

• Often feel trapped and want to escape

• Question and often challenge the societal beliefs

• Feel something is wrong or unjust

• Often fight to reveal the negative aspects of the society

Open Ended

Why do think authors write about these types of worlds? What message are they trying to send?

Dystopian authors are usually trying to warn us about behaviors within our current society and where they could lead. What do you think Lois Lowery is warning us about?