Dystopian Unit Introduction and Notes Dystopian Trailer Our

Dystopian Unit Introduction and Notes

Dystopian Trailer

Our Dystopian Unit • You will be assigned a “color” • You must choose a book from your assigned “color section” • Choose the book that you, personally, are most interested in (not whatever your friend is picking!!) • Throughout the MP, you will have four big assignments due. The dates are listed.

Now, To your notes!

What is a Utopia? • A “perfect” society created by humans; impossible

What is a Dystopia? • A society where everything is as bas as it possibly could be; often the result of an event or idea that horribly backfired • Dystopias are the opposite of utopias

Characteristics of a Dystopian Society • Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society • Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted • A person or idea is worshipped by the citizens of the society. • Citizens are under constant surveillance. • Citizens have a fear of the outside world.

Characteristics of a Dystopian Society • Citizens live in a dehumanized state. • The natural world is banished and distrusted. • Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality is viewed as bad. • The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

Dystopian Conflicts • Often, the conflict in a Dystopian novel is the result of: An apocalypse/disaster A “Utopia gone wrong”

The Dystopian Protagonist • Often feels trapped and is struggling to escape • Questions the existing social and political systems or rules • Believes or feels that something is terribly wrong with the way that he or she lives • Helps the reader recognize the negative aspects of his or her world

Theme (a refresher) • The life lesson or author’s message Questions to ask yourself: What can I “take away” from this story? What have the characters learned by the end of the story?

Dystopian Themes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Government Control Impact of Advancements in Technology Post-Apocalyptic Chaos Importance of Family Identity Survival Change

Why is it important? • Dystopian novels usually include elements of contemporary society and are seen as a warning or “cautionary tale” • (Think of it as a guidebook about “what NOT to do”)