By Holly Swan
Dystopian narratives engulf us in a different world. They often build a future where equality is forgotten and no one knows the sense of the word ‘peace’. Yet, they are perhaps the best place to find the truth in fiction.
Dystopian narratives engulf us in a different world. They often build a future where equality is forgotten and no one knows the sense of the word ‘peace’. Yet, they are perhaps the best place to find the truth in fiction. I believe dystopian narratives are suitable for us because they serve as a warning for what could possibly happen in the future. We need an understanding of how to stop the worst from happening and these stories do just that. They offer solutions to real world conflicts and encourage us to do the right thing.
Some narratives battle big problems like gender stereotypes. In Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, Katniss is taken from her family to fight in a game of life or death. She lives with her sister and mother, doing the things a father would usually do in order to keep her family alive. Hunting is generally classified as a ‘man’s job’, especially in Katniss’ world. Yet she continues to provide for the people she loves, which inevitably leads to her being a stronger competitor when it comes to the games.
It’s important for us to see the danger of extremist’s power and how small conflicts can lead to global devastation. We need to remember that not all leaders should be trusted. In many dystopian tales you can see resemblances between the higher powers of that fictional world and our own. Figures such as Donald Trump say things without a thought and cause panic on a tremendous scale. It’s quite scary to see how people like Trump mirror the characters who have led their world into darkness, such as Big Brother in George Orwell’s iconic ‘1984’. In fact, ‘1984’ became a best seller on Amazon shortly after the president was sworn in, 70 years after its first publication. I believe it our right as human beings to have access to these stories to understand how the minds of these leaders work and what their thoughts could lead us to.
The Phoenix’s Recommended Dystopian Reads for 2018:
1. ‘1984’ by George Orwell.
There’s a reason sales of this influential novel set in an imagined authoritarian state are so high at the minute. Everyone should read it in their lifetime; it might be more appropriate for upper school students though.
2. ‘The Hunger Games’ Trilogy by Suzanne Collins.
This is the greatest young adult dystopia in recent years and features a particularly empowering female lead. But no, watching the films does not count; read these great novels too.
3. The ‘Divergent’ series by Veronica Roth.
Although similar to ‘The Hunger Games’ in some ways, ‘Divergent’ also explores identity in some interesting ways and has a real twist in the last book.
4. ‘The Giver’ by Lois Lowry.
In a world of social media, this short and haunting novella, which follows 14 year old Jonah’s first experiences of pain and freedom, is especially relevant to young people.
5. ‘Battle Royale’ by Takami.
Possibly the inspiration for The Hunger Games, this novel is definitely parental guidance. It follows high school students dropped on an island and told to fight to the death. It does explore how horribly vindictive teenagers can be though!
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