What is UTOPIA ?

1
What is UTOPIA ?

• An ideal society
• Based on notions of equality, social harmony,
  economic prosperity, and political stability

2
Word Origin

• Combination of two Greek words and literally
  means no place
• When pronounced in Latin means good place
• Combination of these two meanings informs the way
  we currently view the word a place that doesnt
  exist and also an ideal place that we can create

3
Definition of Dystopia

• In its most basic sense the opposite of utopia
• Fictional societies that are incredibly imperfect
• But not exactly opposite, in that dystopias may
  contain many of the same elements as utopias-
  such as intense measures of social control- but
  these measures are taken to horrific extremes

4
More Dystopia

• Subset of anti utopian writing, which satirizes
  utopian thinking
• Dystopia offers some kind of warning of what will
  happen should present trends continue.

5
Characteristics of Dystopian Society

• Propaganda is used to control citizens.
• Information, independent thought, and freedom are
  restricted.
• A figurehead is worshipped by the citizens.
• Citizens are under constant surveillance.
• Citizens have fear of the outside world.
• The natural world is banished and distrusted.

6
Characteristics continued

• Citizens conform to uniform expectations.
  individuality and dissent are bad.
• The society is the illusion of a perfect utopian
  world.

7
The Protagonist in a Dystopia

• 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
• Helps the audience recognize the negative aspects
  of the dystopian world.

8
Examples of Dystopian Fiction

• 1984 by George Orwell
• Brave New World- Huxley
• Blade Runner
• Minority Report
• The Matrix
• I, Robot