Literature and Information

Characteristics of Dystopian Literature

There are certain characteristics of dystopian literature that set it apart from other types of fiction. These characteristics include the restriction of information, independent thought, and freedom. Totalitarian control prevents the people in the story from acting and speaking freely. This control is typically an authoritarian government within a society that is characterized by absolute power over the lives of its citizens. This type of system is rarely, if ever, challenged. In many dystopian novels, the people are constantly watched and in fear of consequences that may be given if they so choose to rebel against the laws of their government. They are controlled by rules, caste systems, and specialized jobs, and therefore, must conform to the expectations of the government. As we already know, conformity conflicts with citizens’ rights to expression, choice, and individuality.

The idea of specialization was notably introduced in Greek philosopher Plato’s The Republic, in which he emphasizes that each member of society is most suitable for a specific role in society and must remain in each of their places.¹⁴ Specialization guarantees that all people remain in their specific roles in society without power or influence to interfere with governmental rule. People in this society are convinced that this is a true utopia, when in fact it is oppressive, demoralizing, and unwanted – which is the true definition of a dystopia.

On the other hand, in order to understand the complex nature of a dystopia, one must understand a utopia and its very dissimilar characteristics. The modern world “utopia” was first popularized in English philosopher Thomas More’s 16th century book, Utopia. In this narrative, Portuguese traveler Raphael Hythloday contrasts the laws and customs of 16^th century Europe while admiring the ideal characteristics of the island of Utopia. In Utopia, and in a utopian society, public welfare, selflessness, peace, tolerance, and specialization, as stated in Plato’s work, are the common goals of government and people.¹⁵ There are no laws, private poverty, crime, war, or oppression. However, not even the paradise described in Utopia relinquished control and avoided laws that would dictate the actions of the utopians.

In Paradise Lost, John Milton narrates his poem about the loss of what was supposed to be the first utopia known to man, the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, the sins of Adam and Eve when tempted by Satan’s lies of knowledge and freedom destroyed the only utopia that Earth had ever known and will ever know. Satan achieved his mission, to introduce sin to the world through manipulation and disempowerment of God’s people.¹⁶ Therefore, it is important to note that even in a utopian society, there will always be people who must sacrifice their freedoms (or are tricked into giving them up) for the hidden agenda of those with power and influence. That leaves us to conclude that a utopia can never really exist in today’s age, and creating a utopia means creating a dystopia in place of it.