Dystopian Literature: A Different World View

Dystopian novels have been around since the 18^th century, and they continue to be extremely popular in the 21^st century. These novels are often written in the aftermath of a disaster.  The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, The Maze Runner series by James Dashner, and the Divergent series by Veronica Roth were all released in the aftermath of the September 11^th bombings.   Films made from these books have increased their popularity.

A dystopian atmosphere finds characters in an imaginary and off-balance setting where they experience many difficulties that are hard to work through and where the overall tone is one of fear with little hope for an improved existence.  Those who live in a dystopian society find that there is little freedom of choice along with fear of the future and the possibility of terrible events they may be expected to face. 

Some of the characteristics that are common in the dystopian world include:  an unconventional setting that is an integral part of the story; powerful leaders who rule rigidly by enforcing a strict order that does not allow for deviation; likeable protagonists who are facing difficulties that have been shaped by their

environment and the situations they must encounter; and a conclusion that implies that the dire circumstances that are part of the plot will not cease when the books ends.

Books such as Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and 1984 by George Orwell are a few of the titles that are available for you to check out at the Al Harris Library.  If you are interested in learning more, take a look at the glass display case near the doors to the library to see these books and movies.

[Surveillance camera image courtesy of crystalRyu.]