A dystopia is an imaginary place/state of a terrible condition of life, through factors such as oppression and deprivation. Accordingly, a dystopian novel takes place in such a state, usually within a single society. Here are some of the most popular dystopian novels of English literature.
"1984", a novel by George Orwell, is perhaps the most well-known book of the genre. It centers on Oceania, a society controlled by a select group of people. Mind control, government surveillance, and suppression of individuality are deployed by the government to maintain control. The novel also explores themes such as futurology and sexual repression.
Another important work of the genre "Fahrenheit 451", was written by Ray Bradbury. It explores the detrimental effects of outlawing reading, and the effects of mass media on literature. The government in this novel is controlling and oppressive, much like the government in "1984".
In most novels of this genre, the government maintains stability; some, however, can be post-apocalyptic. "The Stand" falls into this category, written by Stephen King. It centers on a super-virus that is released from an army base and kills ninety-nine percent of living humans. It's quite long at over eight hundred pages, but is nevertheless critically-praised.
Through the 21st century, this genre has changed significantly. The Hunger Games trilogy is currently achieving fame for its portrayal of a violent futuristic society. In the future, North America is a twelve-district nation called "Panem", a fight to the death is held each year between twenty-four representatives, one boy and girl from each district.
Dystopian novels may never lose their popularity; after all, we all think about the future from time to time. Most books in this genre speculate on how certain aspects of our cultures can lead us down dangerous paths; not all of them attempt to predict the future. In this sense, this genre can educate readers about consequences of actions we are currently taking.
"1984", a novel by George Orwell, is perhaps the most well-known book of the genre. It centers on Oceania, a society controlled by a select group of people. Mind control, government surveillance, and suppression of individuality are deployed by the government to maintain control. The novel also explores themes such as futurology and sexual repression.
Another important work of the genre "Fahrenheit 451", was written by Ray Bradbury. It explores the detrimental effects of outlawing reading, and the effects of mass media on literature. The government in this novel is controlling and oppressive, much like the government in "1984".
In most novels of this genre, the government maintains stability; some, however, can be post-apocalyptic. "The Stand" falls into this category, written by Stephen King. It centers on a super-virus that is released from an army base and kills ninety-nine percent of living humans. It's quite long at over eight hundred pages, but is nevertheless critically-praised.
Through the 21st century, this genre has changed significantly. The Hunger Games trilogy is currently achieving fame for its portrayal of a violent futuristic society. In the future, North America is a twelve-district nation called "Panem", a fight to the death is held each year between twenty-four representatives, one boy and girl from each district.
Dystopian novels may never lose their popularity; after all, we all think about the future from time to time. Most books in this genre speculate on how certain aspects of our cultures can lead us down dangerous paths; not all of them attempt to predict the future. In this sense, this genre can educate readers about consequences of actions we are currently taking.
About the Author:
Looking to move your children away from the computer for a bit? Maybe you can get them into fiction reading. Such novels for teenagers have become more and more popular lately, with the genres of young adult fantasy novels, science fiction and dystopian novels in the vanguard. One upcoming work like this is the Victoria Foyt's "Revealing Eden", the first novel of her "Save the Pearls" trilogy.
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