Dystopian Genre
Dystopian Vocab
Verbs
Nouns/Adjectives
Dystopian Terms
100

What novel are we reading and who is the author?

The Giver, Lois Lowry

100

Utopia

a perfect world where everything is good and fair.

100

Apprehensive (to be)

(to be) nervous or worried about something that might happen.

100

Adherence

following the rules or sticking to instructions.

100
Dystopian

a world or society that is bad, unfair, or frightening

200

Give an example of surveillance

People are watched, monitored, and threatened with surveillance in dystopian settings. Surveillance efforts create fear and maintain control.

200

Surveillance

watching people closely, often by the government.

200

Intrigued (to be)

(to be) very interested or curious.

200

Transgression

breaking a rule or law.

200

Conformity

acting the same as everyone else to fit in.

300

Name three elements of dystopian literature

Control, Loss of Freedom, Restriction of Information, Surveillance, Fear, Dehumanization, Technology, Loss of Individuality, Propaganda, Division and Exclusion, and Illusion of Utopia

300

Dehumanization

treating people as if they are less than or not human.

300

(to be) Distraught

(to be) deeply upset or worried.

300

Remorse

deep regret or guilt for something wrong you did.

(You feel remorse).

300

Brainwashing

forcing someone to accept certain beliefs or ideas.


400
How does technology play a role in the dystopian genre?

Dystopias often feature futuristic technology that is used to control monitor, and/or dehumanize individuals. (In dystopian sci-fi, this can also be futuristic science).

400

Censorship

controlling or blocking information, books, or ideas.


400

Awed

amazed or filled with wonder.

(you feel awe)

400

Ritual

a repeated ceremony, activity, or tradition done in a special way.

400

Totalitarian

a government where one leader or group has total control.

500

Define corruption and give an example.

having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.

Ex. "crooked cop" "dirty politician" "shady CEO"

500

Propaganda

information used to make people believe something, often biased or one-sided.

500

Defiant

refusing to obey, showing resistance.

500

Ironic

when something happens that is the opposite of what you expect.

500

Paradox

something that seems like a contradiction but may be true (e.g., “less is more”).