Consider the following key concepts of dystopian novels:



Name: ________________________________ Period: _________

In a well-written essay, analyze how your novel fits the genre of dystopian fiction. Be sure to include at least four of the characteristics below as well as specific examples from the novel. Explain how the dystopian characteristics contribute to the message of the novel. Be sure to avoid plot summary.

Refer to the following key concepts of dystopian literature in your analysis. Dystopian literature usually includes:

1. The push and pull between the utopian and dystopian perspectives

• An attempt to achieve a utopian society which goes awry

• An individual rebel or resistance movement which reacts against the dystopian power structure

2. The deliberate miscarriage of justice: the protagonist’s trial

3. An undesirable, horrifying, nightmare vision of the future

4. A barbaric and oppressive government or environment

• Dehumanization

• Extreme interpretation of laws

5. The destruction of the individual’s private world

6. Paranoia and suspicion which creates ambiguity about good and evil

7. The protagonist’s pursuit of history: the vital importance of a record of the past

8. Dystopia as a no-man’s land between satire and tragedy

• Includes irrevocable loss and tragic fate

• Serves as a warning or criticism to the readers about society

o Questioning of technology, science, or an overly rational approach to solving problems of humanity

o Warning against censorship of art and literature

o Warning against government control of personal choice

9. The protagonist’s window on the past: the cause/effect of two time-planes

| |1-4 |5-6 |7-9 |

|Intro and thesis statement | | | |

|Examples of dystopia | | | |

|Analysis of dystopia | | | |

|Message of the novel | | | |

|Concluding paragraph | | | |

|Organization | | | |

|Conventions | | | |

|Final Score | | | |

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