UTOPIAS AND DYSTOPIAS An Introduction UTOPIA A DEFINITION

UTOPIAS AND DYSTOPIAS An Introduction

UTOPIA: A DEFINITION �An ideally perfect place, an impractical idealistic scheme. �The word “utopia” comes from two Greek words: “oi” (not) and “topos” (place) = “nowhere. ” �The word was created by Sir Thomas More in 1516 when he wrote a book by that title.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A UTOPIA �Poverty and misery are removed. �Money no longer exists. �Very few laws are necessary. �The society is free of class systems, so all are equal. �View on the future is optimistic and upbeat.

RELIGIOUS UTOPIAN CONCEPTS �The Judeo-Christian concept of the Garden of Eden and Heaven. �The Buddhist concept of Nirvana.

DYSTOPIA: A DEFINITION �Dystopia: A futuristic, imagined universe in which society is oppressed and the illusion of perfection is maintained through some form of control. �There are many types of control, including media, technology, and religious ideologies. �Dystopias are exaggerated worst-case scenarios that usually criticize a current trend, societal norm, or political system.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DYSTOPIA �Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society. �Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. �A leader or idea is worshipped by the citizens of the society. �Citizens are supposedly under constant surveillance. �Citizens have a fear of the outside world. �Citizens live in a dehumanized state. �Citizens conform to uniform expectations; individuality and difference are bad.

THE DYSTOPIAN PROTAGONIST �Often feels trapped and is struggling to escape. �Questions the existing social and political systems. �Believes or feels that something is terribly wrong with the society in which they live. �Helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world through their perspective.