Utopia and Dystopia Utopia Utopia A place state

Utopia and Dystopia

Utopia • Utopia: A place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs, and conditions.

Dystopia • A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through various kinds of control. • Dystopias, through an exaggerated worstcase scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system.

Characteristics of a Dystopian Society • Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society. • Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. • A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society. • Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance. • Citizens have a fear of the outside world. • Citizens live in a dehumanized state. • The natural world is banished and distrusted. • Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad. • The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

Types of Dystopian Controls • Most dystopian works present a world in which the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through one or more of the following types of controls: – Corporate control – Bureaucratic control – Technological control – Philosophical/religious control

“Harrison Bergeron” Questions • How does this story fit the dystopian genre? What characteristics/traits make it dystopian? • What is theme of the story? What message is Vonnegut trying to give to his readers? • Why does Harrison call himself the “Emperor”? Why does he offer to make the orchestra barons and dukes and earls? What does Harrison want? Should he want those things? • Is Harrison similar or different from Sammy in “A&P”? Explain your thoughts.

“Harrison Bergeron” Questions • What questions do you want to ask about the story? • What ideas should we discuss? • With a partner, write four questions or ideas that you want to contribute about the text.

“Harrison Bergeron” Debate • The Declaration of Independence declared that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. " Is this desire for equality a noble goal that we should continue to strive for? Why or why not? – Utilize at least four pieces of evidence in your argument: these pieces of evidence may come from texts we have read, experiences you have