Dystopia is a term used to designate a "place that does not function well". To better understand this word, we invite you to read our post. So, check it out right now.

Meaning of dystopia

First of all, for you what is dystopia? According to the online dictionary Dicio, the word is used to denote a place that is hypothetical where there are oppressive and authoritarian systems. In fact, the term has a meaning that is contrary to utopia, which is an ideal place where there is harmony among individuals.

So dystopia analyzes the current reality and locates aspects that are quite problematic that may result in a very critical situation in the future. Incidentally, while utopia is confident about a better future, dystopia is quite critical about a haunting future.

Dystopia for philosophy

The term dystopia was popularized by philosopher John Stuart Mill in 1868 to indicate something that is opposite to utopia. He said, "what is too good to be attempted is utopian, what is too bad is dystopian."

It is worth remembering that in the 20th century there were several advances in technology and new scientific discoveries. However, it was a very troubled time, as there were two world wars and violent totalitarian regimes, such as Fascism and Nazism.

Because of these uncertainties, books dystopian After all, literature has a role in showing the reality and the longing that people have. At that time, pessimism sets the tone in these narratives, in which there is a pessimistic and gloomy world.

Dystopia for psychology

Besides being present in literature, dystopia is the expression of a feeling of hopelessness of the modern human being. For psychology, almost all dystopias have a connection with our world.

However, it is often related to an imaginary future or a parallel world. This reality is engendered by human action or lack of action, aimed at bad behavior, whether intentional or not.

Main characteristics of dystopia

Check now the main characteristics of dystopia:

• deep criticism;
• non-conformity with a reality;
• anti-authoritarianism;
• problematization.

Dystopian works

As we have already said, dystopia is very present in literary works dystopian After all, it was a very turbulent period in which capitalism entered a very aggressive stage with wars, imperialism, and militarism. So, let's check out some books that deal with this theme.

The Handmaid's Tale (1985)

Author: Margaret Atwood

The dystopian novel takes place in the United States in the near future, where the democratic government has been overthrown by a totalitarian state led by religious fundamentalists. The plot has as its protagonist Offred, a maid who lives in the Republic of Gilead, a place where women are forbidden to do what they want.

However, she remembers the years before, when she was a very independent woman. This contrast in reality shows that the climatic problems have left most women infertile. As a result there is a low birth rate.

The only role is reproductive, in which the state has total power over the women's bodies.

Fahrenheit 451 (1953)

Author: Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 is the other classic of dystopian literature The story takes place in a totalitarian government, in which books are forbidden, because they can instruct people to rebel against the system.

Another point brought up by the work is that books ceased to be a precious possession for them in a natural way. As television occupied their lives, they no longer had the purpose of reading a book.

Moreover, it is difficult not to identify this scenario in the current moment in which we live. Nowadays, we have the internet and social networks to intensify this idea even more.

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Read Also: Alterations in consciousness: meaning in psychology

Clockwork Orange (1972)

Author: Anthony Burgess

Clockwork Orange tells the story of Alex, a teenage gang member who is captured by the state and undergoes disturbing social conditioning therapy, which was immortalized in Stanley Kubrick's 1971 film.

The dystopian book has a multi-layered social critique that are timeless issues. Although it is a work that brings discomfort, it brings a lot of questioning of the way in which Alex was treated.

Brave New World (1932)

(Author: Aldous Huxley)

The novel shows a society that follows principles of science. In this dystopian reality, people are programmed in laboratories and need only do their job In fact, these subjects are marked by biologically defined castes from birth.

Literature, film, and music, on the other hand, are like a threat, because they can solidify the spirit of conformism.

1984 (1949)

(Author: George Orwell)

"1984" is one of the most influential books of the last century, in which the trajectory of Winston The main character is trapped in the gears of a society that is controlled by the state.

In this environment, they share all actions in a collective way, yet all people live alone. In fact, they are all hostages of Big Brother, a cynical and rather cruel power.

The Animal Farming Revolution (1945)

(Author: George Orwell)

The story of this book is a harsh criticism of Soviet totalitarianism. The plot begins when the animals on a farm rebel against their submission to an unworthy life. This is because they work too hard for men and are given a miserable ration, only to be killed in a cruel way.

However, internal disputes, persecution and exploitation start to become part of this "society".

Hunger Games (2008)

(Author: Suzanne Collins)

The main character is Katniss Everdeen, who lives in district 12 in a country called Panem. annually a battle that is televised in which the participants must fight to the death: The Hunger Games.

For this deadly game, they draw young people between the ages of 12 and 18, and Katniss decides to take part to prevent her sister from participating. Although the film brought more action to draw attention, the work does critique the culture of spectacle.

Essay on Blindness (1995)

(Author: José Saramago)

Finally, the last dystopian book depicts a city hit by white blindness, which causes a major collapse People are forced to live in a very unusual way.

The story takes place in an insane asylum, where several blind inmates are imprisoned and live out huge conflicts. In fact, the work is a great indication for those who like this kind of book. After all, Saramago is able to trace the essence of the human being and how people do to survive.

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Final thoughts on dystopia

Finally, as we can see from our post, the dystopia Therefore, for you who are interested in knowing more, it is necessary to have good guidelines. Besides, betting on a tool that brings a good wider knowledge, then get to know our 100% online Clinical Psychoanalysis course. With it, you will start a new journey.