A Dystopia Is Not A Contemporary Idea - 2159 Words

A dystopia is an unpleasant and repressive society which usually has the intent to make equality an opportunity for all. 1984 and â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† are two examples of dystopia literature. In each, technological advances and psychological stimuli is designed to overwhelm an individuals thought. Based upon these pieces of literature, is it possible for a utopia exist? For clarification purposes, there are some definitions to keep in mind when reading this essay. The dictionary defines a utopia as an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect. It is worth noting that Sir Thomas More first used the word utopia in the year 1516 in the book Utopia. A utopia is not a contemporary idea. Conversely, a dystopia is defined as an imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one. Totalitarian is defined as a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete s ubservience to the state. Kurt Vonnegut wrote â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† and context is important to note the tone, as it will explain the inspiration for these pieces of literature. Vonnegut was quick to be critical of society’s stupidity and vices. Thus, the whole tone of â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† is satire for the purpose of humor. A short overview of â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† is appropriate before continuing. It starts in the future, specifically in the year 2081 â€Å"and everybody was finally equal.† (Vonnegut) This wasShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of `` Night `` By Elie Wiesel1425 Words   |  6 Pagesin which people live dissatisfied lives under total control of the government. As terrible as dystopias are, there have been many instances of such societies in the past, and a copious amount of them are found in our current time. Although it may seem that mankind would learn from past experiences and be able to prevent the formation of dystopias, all failed endeavors at utopia, in turn, lead to dystopia. A prime example of this is found in the novel Night, by Elie Wiesel. The story recounts the HolocaustRead MoreUtopia : a Perfect Place?1017 Words   |  5 Pagesis Oxfords Dictionarys definition of it. Utopia means an ideal state, a paradise, a land of enchantment. It has been a central part of the history of ideas in Western Civilization. Philosophers and writers continue to imagine and conceive plans for an ideal state even today. They use models of ideal government to express their ideas on contemporary issues and political conditions. Man has never of comparing the real and ideal, actuality and dream, and the stark facts of human condition and hypotheticalRead MoreUtopia Vs Dystopia797 Words   |  4 PagesThe topic of utopias have always been an interesting topic for philosophers throughout time. Many ideas and perfect laws have been discussed, however every man’s virtue, is another’s vice and there are disa greements. Both Plato’s The Republic and More’s Utopia heavily discuss their ideas of a perfect society. Their thoughts on a utopia have plenty similarities, more specifically in gender relations. They believe that for a society to truly be equal women must work as much as men and that both menRead MoreEssay about Utopia Vs. Dystopia959 Words   |  4 Pages Utopia Vs. Dystopia Each person has their own vision of utopia. Utopia means an ideal state, a paradise, a land of enchantment. It has been a central part of the history of ideas in Western Civilization. Philosophers and writers continue to imagine and conceive plans for an ideal state even today. They use models of ideal government to express their ideas on contemporary issues and political conditions. 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They are constituents of speculative fiction which allows historians to evade some contentious facts of the past in order to create a new world. Notably, these terminologies have stood the test of time and they have proved to be paramount tools for affecting change in the society. Utopia is a Greek word which refers to no place. Since inception by Thomas MoreRead MoreWhat are Dystopian Novels?966 Words   |  4 PagesDystopia is common theme which dates hundreds of years in literature worldwide. Dystopian novels and short stories often depict a society repressed by a totalitarian government which comes to power after a cataclysmic occurrence, wielding unforgiving power and control over inhabitants for their own good. These dystopias are often perceived by the average citizen as a normal or unavoidable way of life, sometimes even a better way of life, yet there is often a single person or group of protagonists