science fiction/fantasy’s sub-genres:. utopian literature literally translated means “no...
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Utopian Literature Literally translated
means “no place” and “good place”
Definition: A place/state/world that is ideally perfect
Coined by Sir Thomas More
Characteristics:equality for allsocial harmonyeconomic prosperitypolitical stabilityprescriptive
Types of Utopias
The paradise The externally altered world The willed transformation The technological transformation
None of these are mutually exclusive.
“Peach Blossom Spring” Why can this short story be considered a
utopia? Identify some characteristics of the genre. What is the author’s opinion of perfection? Which type of utopia is described?
“Ecotopia” Why does Weston struggle
to deal with the citizens of Ecotopia?
What do you make of the interaction between Weston and the military man at the bottom of page 218?
Why is citizen pride so important to society?
Why does one group of skiers wear ragged clothing, carry homemade backpacks, and old fashioned skis?
Would you be interested in living in Ecotopia? Why?
On a piece of paper, respond to the following statements:
Define perfect in your own words. Describe your perfect world in detail.
Consider the government and laws in your society○ How does the government maintain order, if there is any
order in your society?Consider human interactions – what are they like?
Is your world attainable? How?
These responses should be roughly 1 handwritten page long and are due tomorrow.
The Line Between Utopia & Dystopia
Thin line between utopia and dystopiaDependent on perspectiveIronyBoth display extremes
Dystopian Literature Literally
translated as “not good place
Definition: A place/state/world that appears perfect, but in reality is oppressive and controlling
Cointed by John Stewart Mill
Dystopian Characteristics use propaganda independent thought and freedom are
restricted conformity is expected nature is feared one person/thing is worshipped social castes surveillance and paranoia illusion of a utopia
Dystopian Characteristics … again
Dystopian Controls Dystopian Protagonist
corporate control bureaucratic control technological control philosophical/religious
control
outsider questions social and
political norms and systems
allows audience to see flaws through his/her perspective
4 Types of Dystopias
The hell The externally altered world The willed transformation The technological transformation