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Utopia/Dystopia

Utopia/Dystopia. The perfect world. What is utopia?. In literature, utopia is portrayed as the ideal society where people do not experience the distressing aspects associated with contemporary societies.

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Utopia/Dystopia

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  1. Utopia/Dystopia The perfect world

  2. What is utopia? In literature, utopia is portrayed as the ideal society where people do not experience the distressing aspects associated with contemporary societies. Utopian societies often present a way of life devoid of political turmoil and human suffering. Discontent is nonexistent.

  3. How is dystopia different? Often the difference comes from the author’s point of view. Dystopian societies are always futuristic and fictional. They offer a glimpse into societies where the government often controls people to the point of dehumanization. Often they are written as a warning against totalitarian dictatorships which exert total control over its citizens.

  4. Why study this genre? Honors students need to be familiar with Utopian literature because it will be referenced in future courses – i.e. Advanced Placement courses. However, they also need to be familiar with the genre because it is another way that literature reflects the political context in which an author writes.

  5. Long history of writers Men have sought the perfect society for centuries. Utopian writers include: • Plato – 385 BC – The Republic • St. Augustine – 420 AD – The City of God Against the Pagans • Sir Thomas More – 1516 – Utopia • Shakespeare – 1600s – The Tempest

  6. Dystopian writers Writers who reveal the wrongdoings of their own societies to force others to acknowledge the wrong or present the possibility their society is headed in that direction: • Ray Bradbury – Fahrenheit 451 • George Orwell – 1984 • Aldous Huxley – Brave New World • Lois Lowry – The Giver

  7. Is Utopia achievable? Utopia does not exist merely in the mind of writers. Throughout history splinter groups have attempted to create Utopia within their own society.

  8. American utopian communities • Shaker settlements • Harmonists • Oneida settlements • Amana settlements • Old Salem (historic Winston Salem,NC)

  9. What did utopian societies seek? All utopian societies sought a life totally separate from others in their world. Their need for separation was commonly rooted in religious beliefs. However, all societies sought a peaceful, nonconfrontational life-style that was dependent upon the community being totally self-sustaining. They grew their own food, wove their own cloth, made their own clothes, etc.

  10. Define your utopia If you were to design a perfect world in which you and your friends would live, what would you be looking for? Make a list of as many requirements for your Utopia as you can generate in 10 minutes. Be prepared to share your list with others when time is called.

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