• Art and culture -> Literature and Poetry

• 0 Comment

What do the literary themes in dystopian literature reveal about human nature and society?

Millicent Manoch

It's a fascinating question to ponder on what the literary themes in dystopian literature say about human nature and society. First, we need to understand what is dystopian literature. Dystopian literature is a genre of fiction that portrays a terrifying society where the world, as we know it, has been destroyed by some catastrophic event, where the government is totalitarian and citizens live in fear. Dystopian literature has been around since the 18th century, and its popularity has only increased over the years.

Literary themes in dystopian literature mainly showcase the fundamental characteristics of human nature and society, which differentiate between good and evil. Human nature in dystopian literature is depicted with a cruel, violent and selfish personality. It shows that people in a dystopian society are often oppressed, brainwashed, and controlled for the benefit of the ruling elite. Dystopian themes also reflect human's fear and anxiety towards the future because it is often portrayed as a dark and gloomy place.

The leading cause of dystopian literature is a lack of individuality, which results in the homogenization of the population. Since people are not allowed to think or act freely, the government controls everything, including speech and beliefs; it is impossible for free thinking to take place, leading to ignorance and conformity. Therefore, dystopian literature portrays societies that lack curious thinkers, rebels and creators who could challenge the status quo.

Furthermore, dystopian literature reflects society's fear of destruction, whether environmental or social. Dystopian literature often portrays societies that have destroyed themselves either through environmental catastrophe or through human actions. It serves as a warning to the present and future generations of the dangers of an unbridled and unsustainable society. In dystopian literature, the environment has been spoilt or destroyed, and this is often the result of humankind's insatiable greed and disregard for the environment. The earth is left to decay, and only the lucky few can afford to live in the remaining habitable places.

In conclusion, the literary themes in dystopian literature reveal a lot about human nature and society. It highlights the dark side of humanity, the dangers of an unchecked regime, and the possibility of a bleak future if we fail to secure our tomorrow. It serves as a reminder to the present society to protect our environment and individual liberty to ensure a prosperous future. It also challenges and educates people to fight against greed, control, and abuse of power in the present world, leading to a better tomorrow. Therefore, we must learn from dystopian literature and take responsibility for our actions to ensure a bright future while avoiding the dark and unsettling dystopian societies.