Dystopian Features
Name one feature commonly found in a dystopian society.
Surveillance, censorship, propaganda, oppressive government, restricted freedom, inequality, etc.
Which text explores a society where people's social status depends on ratings out of five?
Nosedive
What do we call the main character?
The protagonist
In Fahrenheit 451, what does fire symbolise at the beginning of the novel?
Destruction, censorship and control.
"Big Brother is..."
"...watching you"
What type of government is commonly found in dystopian texts?
An authoritarian or oppressive government.
Which novel features the slogan "Big Brother is watching you"?
Nineteen Eighty-Four
Who usually opposes the protagonist?
The antagonist
In The Road, what does "carrying the fire" symbolise?
Hope, morality and humanity.
In Fahrenheit 451, what do the firemen burn?
Books.
Why do dystopian governments create strict rules?
To maintain power and control citizens.
Which novel centres on a father and son travelling through a post-apocalyptic world?
The Road
Why is the protagonist often an ordinary person?
So audiences relate to them and see their growth
What do the ratings in Nosedive symbolise?
Social validation, identity and worth based on appearance.
In Nosedive, what number determines social success?
Your five-star rating
What is propaganda?
Information designed to influence or manipulate people's beliefs or actions.
Which story explores the dangers of technology through a virtual reality nursery?
The Veldt
What quality do many dystopian heroes develop?
Courage, resilience, leadership, independence or critical thinking.
How does the nursery function as a symbol in The Veldt?
It symbolises unchecked technology replacing family relationships and parental authority.
In Interstellar, what ultimately gives Cooper hope?
His relationship with Murph and the belief that humanity can survive.
Explain the difference between a utopia and a dystopia.
A utopia is an ideal society; a dystopia appears flawed or oppressive and critiques real-world issues.
Which film follows astronauts searching for a new home because Earth is becoming uninhabitable?
Interstellar
Why are rebels important in dystopian stories?
They challenge injustice and inspire change
Which symbol from the unit is the most powerful warning about modern society, and why?
Accept justified responses using evidence from the text.
I just need everyone to..." (from Nosedive)
"...like me."