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Dystopian Societies: Home

Before you start your research...

DYSTOPIA

"Dystopia is utopia's polarized mirror image. Dystopia angrily challenges utopia's fundamental assumption of human perfectibility, arguing that humanity's inherent flaws negate the possibility of constructing perfect societies, except for those that are perfectly hellish. Dystopias are solely fictional, presenting grim, oppressive societies—with the moralistic goal of preventing the horrors they illustrate.  Dystopias are deliberately written to frighten the reader; the fact that it, too, is fictitious offers scant comfort, because it is equally possible. "(New Dictionary of the History of Ideas (Vol. 2. )

Your job is to find an example from history or the present that reflects the most horrific, grimmest, and oppressive elements of  humanity.

  • Brainstorm before you begin your research
    • What are some of the ugliest events/societies/cultures from the past?
    • What is happening right now that reminds you of books like The Hunger Games?
  • Can you support your thesis using quotes from literary scholars about dystopian literature?

Historical Dystopias

Contemporary Dystopias

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Dystopian Literature