The science fiction, or sci-fi, genre includes many sub-genre’s, from horror and fantasy to superhero and space. Sci-Fi literary works, films and television have been a major presence since the penning of the first science fiction novel, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, in 1818. Most people are familiar with science fiction and its sub-genres, and its popularity cannot be disputed. However, there is one sub-genre of science fiction that many people are not too familiar with; dystopian sci-fi.
Well Known Dystopian Science Fiction Works
In general, people immediately recognize science fiction titles, like George Orwell’s 1949 novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four, and Terry Hayes and George Miller’s film franchise, Mad Max, 1979 – 1985. But, most people do not recognize that these science fiction works can be further classified as dystopian sci-fi. Dystopian themes usually involve normal human beings having to endure life under horrific and oppressive conditions.
Common Themes in Dystopian Science Fiction
In Orwell’s novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four, 1949, the story focuses on a character who is forced into complete submission by the then current totalitarian regime. In Hayes and Miller’s “Mad Max” films, the main character has to carry on with daily life in a post apocalyptic future where insane barbarians enjoy unchecked reign. Both of these science fiction works can be placed into the dystopian category because they involve an extreme amount of human suffering in a world seemingly “gone mad.”
Realistic Elements of Dystopian Science Fiction
Dystopian science fiction is interesting because some of its elements are currently, and have been historically, realistic. When African men, women and children were plucked from their daily lives and plunged into the foreign, brutal world of slavery, their experience can be said to be of a dystopian nature. The same can be said of the horrific Jewish experience during the Holocaust, and perhaps the current Iraqi experience in the midst of rebuilding their war-torn country. No doubt, the victims of the conflict in Darfur have been witness to atrocities reminiscent of a dystopian society.
The Importance of Dystopian Science Fiction
A dystopia can be defined as the opposite of a utopia (a near-perfect society where everything is equitable). Dystopian sci-fi is important because it serves as both entertainment, and a warning against the dangers of social, cultural, and political ignorance. The common thread in dystopian science fiction is the warning that one should pay attention to, and get involved with the world around them; else a chaos may ensue. In today’s current reality there can be no greater warning to heed.
Rachelle Williams - Rachelle Williams has been writing on the web for 2 years. In addition to Suite101, Rachelle Williams is a contributing writer for Demand ...
Join the Conversation