2. SCI FI
· The basic definition of science fiction writing is that it is set in the
future and explores the ethical, moral, and philosophical questions
of this future time
· Joyce Saricks notes that setting is a crucial appeal factor in
creating a feeling of “otherness”
· The science should be plausible – unlike fantasy where the author
can make up the rules, the science fiction writer needs to follow
known scientific facts as much as possible.
· Character development is often of lesser importance in science
fiction.
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3. Dystopia: 1984
• set in the future
• explores the ethical, moral, and philosophical
questions
• creating a feeling of “otherness”
• genre’s exploration of technological and
scientific details
• follow known scientific facts as much as
possible
• character development is often of lesser
importance
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4. Dystopia: 1984
UTOPIA:
A place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect in respect
of politics, laws, customs, and conditions.
DYSTOPIA:
A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal
control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained
through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or
totalitarian control. Dystopias, through an exaggerated
worst-case scenario, make a criticism about a current trend,
societal norm, or political system.
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5. Dystopia: 1984
Characteristics of a Dystopian Society
Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.
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9. Citizens have a fear of the outside world.
Citizens live in a dehumanised state.
The natural world is banished and distrusted.
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10. Citizens conform to uniform expectations.
Individuality and dissent are forbidden.
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11. Types of Dystopian Control
Most dystopian works present a world in which
oppressive societal control is maintained through one
or more of the following types of controls:
• Corporate control: One or more large corporations
control society through products, advertising, and/or
the media.
• Bureaucratic control: Society is controlled by a
mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape,
relentless regulations, and incompetent government
officials.
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12. • Technological control: Society is controlled
by technology—through computers,
robots, and/or scientific means. Examples
include The Matrix, The Terminator, and I,
Robot.
• Philosophical/religious control: Society is
controlled by philosophical or religious
ideology often enforced through a
dictatorship or theocratic government.
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14. The Dystopian Protagonist
• often feels trapped and is struggling to escape.
• questions the existing social and political
systems.
• believes or feels that something is terribly
wrong with the society in which he or she
lives.
• helps the audience recognise the negative
aspects of the dystopian world through his or
her perspective.
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16. Given his importance, what
does Orwell want us to think
of Winston?
What is his role?
Can we trust him?
What kind of man is Winston
Smith? A hero?
What qualities do we
normally associate with such
a role?
Does Winston "measure up"
to these? In what ways? Why
does he fail?
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