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Have you ever heard of Dystopian Literature? Well, most dystopias are actually quite interesting and they are worth a read, while some are to be avoided.

Dystopian Literature: What is it??

First of all, we must understand what Dystopia means.

*Dystopia is a society characterized by human misery, as squalor, oppression, disease, and overcrowding.
* Or it could be an imaginary place or state in which the condition of life is extremely bad, as from deprivation, oppression, or terror.

Many also say that a dystopia is the opposite of a utopia. That is true, but only to some extent.

Characteristics!

There are many characteristics of dystopias. However, I only have time to name a few!

~A dystopia is always an imaginary place
~This place is imagined as the worst case scenario
~Dystopias may borrow the qualities of reality, but they mostly explore possibilites and probabilities.
~Most take place in the future.
~The citizens of dystopias live in fear.
~The citizens usually become paranoid, which adds to the sense of false security.
~The very concept of humanity is distorted.
~Societies are usually battered and worn down.

The Hero:

The hero in a dystopia may see it fit to rebel against the corrupted ways of the government or society itself. He sees that social order needs to be put back into life and he will risk everything, even his life. By doing this, the hero sometimes dies at the cost of his nobility.

Discussion:

~What books have you read that you think are dystopias?

~Have you read any of the listed books?

~Have you seen any of those movies?

~Can you see why they are dystopias?

~Do you need furthur guidance with dystopias?

~What else can you say about dystopias?

~Have you anything to add to my list of characteristics, books, or movies?

~ What do you think of dystopias?

I don't know what Children of Men is about, but 28 Days Later is a fabulous example of a dystopian movie, along with the Matrix.

Has anybody read Anthem, by Ayn Rand?

Anybody think it's any good?

Personally, Ayn Rand is a complete and total Nazi. I hate the book and I totally do not recommend it. It's too fast of a read and really quite boring.

Yes, 28 days later was good, a little gory, but awesome! blaugh

I can't wait for 28 weeks later to come out! It looks good and I hope it's as good as the first one!

Yes, Ayn Rand is pretty much a Nazi. Her ideology was even more bizarre to people when it first came out. However, although I do not like her theology, I DO recommend reading Anthem. If you can get through it, take a new look at our world--might surprise you.



And I have read all 4 of the listed books, and seen all the listed movies. wahmbulance


Fahrenheit 451 is not so far from a reality. 10 years ago, there were no computers in libraries (except maybe the one the librarian used to check you out). People went there to get books. My latest trip to the library I counted 35 people on comps, and there were 2 in the stacks looking for real books. What happens when the book burners/banners get together with the people who no longer read? Who is going to stop them if no one cares?

Just a thought.....

Ah, It's okay! I see what you mean though.

Yes. I've heard about Uglies, but I don't think I've heard of the other books. I was looking at this book thinking it might be good, but didn't get it. Have you read it? If so, was it good?