Utopia - Dystopia - The dystopian novel: The Giver

Alternativer Bildtext:

of the following types of beliefs: Economic ideas: money is abolished, citizens only do work that they enjoy + for the common good, an egalitarian distribution of goods Governing ideas: society is controlled by citizenry in a largely individualist, communal, social and sometime libertarian government". The term government is used loosely, as power is seen to corrupt, so constructed government systems are warned against. Technological ideas: In some cases, technology may be embraced to enhance the human living experience and make the human life easier and more convenient. Other ideas propose that technology drives a wedge between humanity and nature, therefore becoming an evil to society. Ecologial ideas: Back to the nature, humans live harmoniously with nature and reverse the effects of industrialization. Philosophical/religious ideas: Society believes in a common religious philosophy, some fashion their surroundings around the biblical Garden of Eden. In inter- religious utopias, all ideas of God are welcomed. In intra-religious utopias, a singular idea of God is accepted and practiced by all citizens. The utopian protagonist: works to promote the ideals of society • questions the existing social and political systems with the aim to bring positive change believes or feels that the society in which he or she lives is always getting better helps the audience recognize the positive aspects of the utopian world through his or her perspective Characteristics of a dystopian society: Definition: A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control. Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system. ● ● ● implicitly criticizes tendencies in contemporary society exaggerates developments in society as a kind of warning • totalitarian or authoritarian form of government ● . ● • a figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance citizens have fear of the outside world • citizens live in a dehumanized state the natural world is banished and distrusted . propaganda is used to control the citizens of society information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted ● environmental disasters • no jurisdiction . ● ● citizens conform to uniform expectations, individuality + dissent are bad society is illusion of a perfect utopian world . strict and rigid social hierarchy Types of dystopian controls: Most dystopian works present a world in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through one or more of the following types of controls: Corporate control: One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media (f.e Minority Report, Running Man), propaganda controlling people's minds Bureaucratic control: Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials (examples in film include brazil) Technological control: Society is controlled by technology - through computers, humanoid robots, and/or scientific means (f.e The Matrix, The Terminator), surveillance state/technology, genetic engineering thoughts are controlled/manipulated suppression of the individual Philosophical/religious control: Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government 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 he or she lives helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective Aspects of the dystopian novel: The Giver climate control: unpredictable weather isn't practical genetic modification to remove physical differences repress and extinguish feelings and instincts which are necessary to establish emotional bonds with other people Abolition of strong feelings to improve control + regulate life in community (safety, security, stability) ● . ● . . • the desire for efficiency through sameness means that the landscape, the weather and humanity itself has been manipulated to erase all differences and potential sources of conflict society robs people of their individuality