Dystopia literary context Flashcards
1
Q
The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
A
- early dystopian novel
- inspired other works with the concept of time travel
2
Q
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
A
- concerns about technology - rigid control of reproduction, Bokanovsky process and hypnopaedic conditioning
- satire of consumer society
- use of drug soma - wilful self-delusion
- individuality forbidden
- all-powerful state - superficially fulfills citizens
3
Q
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
A
- censorship - book burning
- technology - destructive and anesthetising
- threat of nuclear war
4
Q
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
A
- freedom of choice is essential - good behaviour is meaningless if not chosen and morality is a matter of choice
- state control using threat of violence
- satire of apathy and neutrality in post war Britain - Alex though causes great suffering, is the hero of the novel as he doesn’t submit to neutrality
5
Q
The Children of Men by P.D. James
A
- longing for the past
- bleak vision of the future - descent into totalitarian state
- presence of suicide
- value of fertility and use as a political tool (Fishes intend to use Kee)
6
Q
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
A
- world devastated by climate change
- cling to social constructs of the past
- distortion of religion (Earthseed scripture)
- despite destruction hope for rebirth is present
7
Q
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
A
- environment disaster - universal presence of death
- familial love between father and son
- struggle to survive
- dreams for pre-apocalyptic past
- innocence and acts of kindness convey hope
