Dystopian Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that dystopian literature, which depicts an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful repressive lives, seem to have powerful lessons for humanity that are strikingly apropos for today's world climate. The author points out that, in "1984", one of Orwell's main themes and commentaries on humanity is centered on language and how power rests with those people who control the language. The paper relates that the main theme of Neal Stephenson's "Snow Crash" is evil and greed; whereas, real stupidity is the core of Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse 5".

From the Paper:

"One also has to note the massive inflation that has caused much of the trouble in "Snow Crash". The use of other currencies less affected by the massive inflation of the dollar in the novel certainly brings to mind the recent conversion of many European countries' currency to the Euro. These examples of greed as well as other major themes of violence, drug use, drug pushing, and conspiracy seems to be evidence of the inherent evil in humanity even these accusations are softened somewhat by Stephenson's tongue-in-cheek style."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Orwell, George. 1984. London: Everyman's Library, 1992.
• Paralumun New Age Village. "World War II Timeline." 16 June 2006. < http://www.paralumun.com/warworldwartwotimeline.htm>.
• Stephenson, Neal. Wallington, CT: Snow Crash. Spectra, 2000.
• Vonnegut, Kurt. Slaughterhouse 5: Or The Children's Crusade, A Duty Dance With Death. New York: Delacorte Pr., 1994.

More papers on Dystopian Literature:

• Comparison Essay # 117821 : "The Idea of Order out of Chaos in Mathematics and in Literature"
• Comparison Essay # 128315 : "Fahrenheit 451" and "1984"
• Analytical Essay # 135775 : "Utopian and Dystopian Ideologies in Literature"

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