Dystopia Genre
What is a dystopia?
A society that looks perfect on the outside but is unfair or oppressive inside.
Who wrote Examination Day?
Henry Slesar.
Who wrote Harrison Bergeron?
Kurt Vonnegut
Who wrote this story?
Ursula K. Le Guin.
Which dystopian story was turned into a Twilight Zone episode?
"Examination Day".
Dystopian fiction is a subset of what larger genre?
Science fiction.
What important event is Dickie preparing for?
A government test.
In what year is the story set?
2081.
What kind of city is Omelas described as?
A joyful, perfect-seeming city; A true utopia of one's own making.
Which author also wrote Slaughterhouse-Five?
Kurt Vonnegut.
How is a dystopia different from a utopia?
Utopia = perfect society; dystopia = looks perfect but is really flawed.
How do Dickie’s parents act on the day of the test?
Nervous and uneasy.
How does the government make everyone “equal”?
By giving people handicaps to limit their abilities.
What secret does everyone in Omelas know?
One child suffers so the city can be happy.
Which story won the Hugo Award in 1974?
"The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas".
What is the purpose of dystopian fiction?
To criticize society and warn us about real-world problems.
What is the government’s role in this story?
They control the test and enforce the rules about who passes.
Why doesn’t Hazel wear handicaps?
She has “average” intelligence and abilities.
Why do some people leave Omelas?
They cannot accept happiness built on suffering.
Which two stories warn about government control?
"Examination Day" and "Harrison Bergeron".
Name the 5 common elements of dystopian stories.
Strict Rules or Control,
Loss of Freedom/Individuality,
Use of Technology, Laws, or Fear as Control
Illusion of Utopia/Perfect World,
Warnings for Us.
What is the main theme of Examination Day?
Government control
What is the story warning us about?
The dangers of forced equality and loss of individuality.
What is the essential question of this story?
Is it ever acceptable for some to suffer so that others can be happy?
In all three stories, what is one thing the characters lose because of their society?
Their freedom, individuality, or moral choice