Utopia The Illusion of Paradise What Is Utopia

Utopia The Illusion of Paradise

What Is Utopia? • What words or ideas come to mind when you see or hear the word Utopia? (Make a list) • What is your personal definition of utopia? • Now look it up on your phone- is the definition what you expected? Why or why not? • Please respond in writing in 5 -7 sentences.

The Peaceable Kingdom What are your general observations regarding this famous panting by Edward Hicks? What ideas and impressions can you make? Many people argue that man is closest to paradise when he is closest to nature. Does this match your vision of paradise? Edward Hicks (c. 1834)

Formal Definition of Utopia • The word “Utopia” was originally coined by Sir Thomas More, who wrote a book of this title in 1516. • In this novel, the central character discovers an island that constitutes a perfect world; it is literally paradise. A utopia is essentially a perfect environment.

Definition of Utopia The word Utopia is itself a pun on two Greek root words: 1. “Ou topia” = no place 2. “Eu topia” = good place The implication is that such a world cannot exist on Earth, despite the best of intentions by human beings. In reality, utopia is a myth.

A Literary Genre • For centuries, authors have played with the idea of utopia, creating a sub-genre of fiction called “Utopian” or “Dystopian” literature. • Examples include Plato’s Republic, Samuel Butler’s Erewhon, and Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.

Changes in Perception • For many years writers considered ‘the western frontier’ as the idyllic location for a utopian society--a place free from the evils of established communities. • The events of the 20 th century undermined this idea, especially the actions of Hitler and Stalin. Man demonstrated a penchant for acts of great evil. • Based on what you know about history in the 20 th century, what are some events that sparked this idea of man demonstrating acts of great evil?

Dystopian Literature • Anti-utopian literature (dystopia) presents a hideous world, where man loses his individuality and humanity to forces beyond his control. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is an example of such literature • Can you think of any other literary works or movies that might be dystopian?

The Lord of the Flies by William Golding • Given the chance to return to the “natural” state, what does man become? The novel explores this question with children in the title roles.

Conch (Pay attention to symbols and allegory. )

Activity In your teams, list as many topics as you can think of that would fit the genre of a dystopia Close read the passage from The Hunger Games and analyze for dystopian characteristics.

Assignment • Read chapter 8 of LOF and annotate for symbols and characters in LOF and determine their meaning within the dystopia. You may need to examine previous chapters. I should see marks in your book.