dystopian society essay examples

Dystopian Literature: Themes, Insights & Examples

What is dystopian literature, themes in dystopian literature, insights into dystopian literature, examples of dystopian literature, how to read and analyze dystopian literature, why dystopian literature matters, modern dystopian literature.

Imagine being in a world where everything seems to go wrong, and there's a constant sense of doom. This is the unique flavor of dystopian literature. By exploring themes of societal decay, oppressive governments, and the loss of humanity, dystopian literature serves as a mirror, reflecting our deepest fears and concerns about the future. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of dystopian literature and delve into its most common themes. So, if you've ever been intrigued by books like '1984' or 'The Hunger Games', you're in for a treat.

At its core, dystopian literature is a genre of fiction that paints a picture of an imagined world where things are horribly wrong. Unlike its cousin, utopian literature, which imagines a perfect society, dystopian literature depicts a future where society has taken a turn for the worse. These stories often explore themes of oppressive governmental control, environmental devastation, and the loss of individual freedoms.

Dystopian literature often sets the stage in a future, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war, disease, or some other catastrophic event. The societies depicted in these works are typically marked by inequality, injustice, and the callous use of technology. It's like looking at your worst nightmares through the lens of literature.

Whether it's the total loss of privacy in George Orwell's '1984', the haunting governmental control in Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale', or the deranged reality TV death match in Suzanne Collins' 'The Hunger Games', dystopian themes in literature push us to question our society and ourselves.

Now that you know what dystopian literature is, you might be wondering: what are the main dystopian themes in literature? Well, let's take a closer look.

While each dystopian story is unique and disturbing in its own right, there are certain themes that are commonly explored in this genre. Let's dive into some of these dystopian themes in literature.

Loss of Individuality: One of the most prominent themes in dystopian literature is the loss of individuality. In many of these stories, citizens lose their identities and become part of a faceless mass. They're often stripped of their names, their personal histories, and even their ability to think independently.
Oppressive Government Control: Another common theme is oppressive government control. In dystopian societies, governments have total control over their citizens' lives. They monitor their activities, control their thoughts, and even manipulate their perceptions of reality.
Technological Control: The misuse of technology for control and manipulation is a common theme in dystopian literature. From surveillance and propaganda to genetic manipulation and AI, technology is often depicted as a tool for oppression.
Social Stratification: Dystopian societies are often marked by stark social inequalities. Citizens are usually divided into strict social classes, with a small elite class enjoying privileges at the expense of the masses.
Environmental Destruction: Many dystopian stories also explore the theme of environmental destruction. Whether it's due to nuclear war, climate change, or some other disaster, the environment in these stories is often in a state of ruin.

These themes are a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked power, technological advancement, and societal inequality. They may be unsettling, but they force us to confront uncomfortable questions about our society and our future.

Dystopian literature does more than narrate a tale of a bleak and depressing future. It offers deep insights into human nature, our society, and the potential consequences of our actions. As we explore the dystopian themes in literature, let's take a moment to understand the insights they provide.

Power Corrupts: A persistent insight we glean from dystopian literature is the idea that power can corrupt. An oppressive government or ruling class is a common feature in these stories, showing us how those in power can misuse it for their own benefit.
Value of Freedom: Dystopian literature often portrays societies where personal freedoms are curtailed or nonexistent. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of individual liberties and the lengths we should go to preserve them.
Technology isn't Always Beneficial: While we often view technology as a tool for positive advancement, dystopian literature provides a contrasting view. It shows us a world where technology is misused, leading to loss of privacy, individuality, and in some cases, humanity itself.
Social Equality Matters: The stark social stratification in dystopian societies offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of inequality. It reminds us of the need for a fair society where everyone has equal opportunities.
Respect for Nature: The environmental destruction depicted in many dystopian stories underscores the importance of respecting and preserving our natural environment. It warns us of the potential consequences of neglecting our environment.

So, while dystopian themes in literature may be dark and disturbing, they serve as powerful tools to provoke thought, stimulate discussion, and inspire action on important societal issues.

If you're interested in exploring dystopian themes in literature, here are a few examples that masterfully highlight these themes:

"1984" by George Orwell: This classic piece of dystopian literature paints a grim picture of an omnipresent government that exercises total control over its citizens. It's a stark exploration of themes like authoritarianism, censorship, and state surveillance.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins: This popular series shows a world where children are forced to participate in deadly games for entertainment. The book explores themes such as social inequality, oppression, and the effects of war.
"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley: This novel portrays a future society that's seemingly perfect, but at the cost of individuality and freedom. It delves into themes like the misuse of technology, loss of individual identity, and the dangers of a seemingly utopian society.
"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury: In this dystopian world, books are banned and burned to suppress dissenting ideas. The novel explores themes like censorship, the value of knowledge, and the dangers of a complacent society.
"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood: This haunting tale depicts a society where women are subjugated and used solely for reproduction. It presents themes such as gender inequality, religious extremism, and the loss of personal freedoms.

These examples are a great starting point if you're looking to delve deeper into dystopian literature. Each book offers a unique exploration of dystopian themes, providing a rich and thought-provoking reading experience.

As you begin your journey into the world of dystopian literature, here are a few tips to help you fully appreciate and understand the dystopian themes in literature:

Look beyond the surface: Dystopian literature is rich in symbolism and allegory. Try to identify the underlying messages and critiques that the author is conveying through the dystopian setting. For instance, is the author commenting on current societal issues or warning about potential future outcomes?
Understand the characters: Dystopian literature often features characters struggling against oppressive systems. Pay attention to their actions, motivations, and development throughout the story. What do their struggles reveal about the society they live in?
Consider the societal structure: Dystopian societies often feature stark inequalities and oppressive systems. Analyze how this society operates and what it says about human nature and power dynamics.
Reflect on the themes: Dystopian literature is known for exploring complex and often grim themes. After reading, take the time to reflect on these themes and what they mean in the context of the story and in relation to our own society. How does the author use these dystopian themes to comment on real-world issues?

Remember, analyzing dystopian literature is not about finding 'the correct answer', but about exploring the text's layers and interpreting its meaning. So, go ahead, grab a book, and start exploring the complex and captivating world of dystopian themes in literature!

Let's dive straight into it: why should you care about dystopian literature and its themes? Well, besides being captivating and thought-provoking, dystopian literature serves several important functions.

It sparks critical thinking: By presenting readers with a society that's drastically different from our own, dystopian literature encourages us to question and reflect on societal norms, values, and structures. It prompts us to ask, "What if?" and consider different possibilities for our own society.
It mirrors societal issues: Dystopian literature doesn't just invent new worlds — it often reflects our own. By pushing societal issues to their extremes, it helps us see the potential consequences of our actions. It's like a mirror held up to our society, reflecting what could happen if we continue down certain paths.
It fosters empathy: Through its characters, dystopian literature allows us to experience life in a dystopian society. This can foster a sense of empathy and understanding for people who face oppression and hardship in the real world.
It inspires change: By highlighting the dangers of certain paths, dystopian literature can inspire readers to strive for change in their own societies. It's not just about showing us what could go wrong — it's also about inspiring us to work towards what could go right.

So, next time you pick up a dystopian novel, remember: you're not just reading a story. You're engaging with a powerful tool for reflection, empathy, and change. That's the power of dystopian themes in literature.

Now that we've explored why dystopian literature matters, let's journey into the contemporary landscape of dystopian themes in literature. Today's authors continue the tradition of envisioning bleak futures, but with modern concerns at the forefront.

Technology and control: With the rise of Big Data, social media, and surveillance technologies, modern dystopian literature often explores the theme of control through technology. Books like "The Circle" by Dave Eggers delve into the idea of a society where privacy no longer exists, and individual freedom is sacrificed for the illusion of safety and connection.
Environmental disasters: As awareness of climate change and environmental issues grows, so does their presence in dystopian literature. Novels like "Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler and "The Water Will Come" by Jeff Goodell paint grim pictures of societies devastated by climate change and ecological destruction.
Social inequality: Dystopian literature also shines a spotlight on social inequality. Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games", for instance, vividly portrays a society divided into wealth and poverty, where the poor are pitted against each other for the entertainment of the rich.
Loss of humanity: In the face of advancing technology and societal changes, many modern dystopian works question what it means to be human. Books like "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro explore themes of humanity, identity, and morality in a dystopian future.

Modern dystopian themes in literature reflect our current anxieties and fears. But remember, they also serve as a call to action. They remind us that the future is not set in stone — it's something we have a hand in shaping. So, what kind of future do you want to help create?

If you're fascinated by the world of dystopian literature and want to gain a deeper understanding of its themes and insights, don't miss Rabih Salloum's workshop, ' Navigating Life VI .' This workshop offers a unique perspective on dystopian themes and will help you appreciate the genre in a whole new light.

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Are we living in a dystopia?

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Dystopian fiction is hot. Sales of George Orwell’s “1984” and Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” have skyrocketed since 2016. Young adult dystopias – for example, Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games,” Veronica Roth’s “Divergent,” Lois Lowry’s classic, “The Giver” – were best-sellers even before.

And with COVID-19, dystopias featuring diseases have taken on new life. Netflix reports a spike in popularity for “Outbreak,” “12 Monkeys” and others .

Does this popularity signal that people think they live in a dystopia now? Haunting images of empty city squares , wild animals roaming streets and miles-long food pantry lines certainly suggest this.

We want to offer another view. “Dystopia” is a powerful but overused term. It is not a synonym for a terrible time.

The question for us as political scientists is not whether things are bad (they are), but how governments act. A government’s poor handling of a crisis, while maddening and sometimes disastrous, does not constitute dystopia.

Legitimate coercion

As we argue in our book, “ Survive and Resist: the Definitive Guide to Dystopian Politics ,” the definition of dystopia is political.

Dystopia is not a real place; it is a warning, usually about something bad the government is doing or something good it is failing to do. Actual dystopias are fictional, but real-life governments can be “dystopian” – as in, looking a lot like the fiction.

Defining a dystopia starts with establishing the characteristics of good governance. A good government protects its citizens in a noncoercive way. It is the body best positioned to prepare for and guard against natural and human-made horrors.

Good governments use what’s called “ legitimate coercion ,” legal force to which citizens agree to keep order and provide services like roads, schools and national security. Think of legitimate coercion as your willingness to stop at a red light, knowing it’s better for you and others in the long run.

No government is perfect, but there are ways of judging the imperfection. Good governments (those least imperfect) include a strong core of democratic elements to check the powerful and create accountability. They also include constitutional and judicial measures to check the power of the majority. This setup acknowledges the need for government but evidences healthy skepticism of giving too much power to any one person or body.

Federalism , the division of power between national and subnational governments, is a further check. It has proved useful lately, with state governors and mayors emerging as strong political players during COVID-19.

Three kinds of dystopias

Bad governments lack checks and balances, and rule in the interest of the rulers rather than the people. Citizens can’t participate in their own governance. But dystopian governments are a special kind of bad; they use illegitimate coercion like force, threats and the “disappearing” of dissidents to stay in power.

Our book catalogs three major dystopia types, based on the presence – or absence – of a functioning state and how much power it has.

There are, as in Orwell’s “1984,” overly powerful governments that infringe on individual lives and liberties. These are authoritarian states, run by dictators or powerful groups, like a single party or corporate-governance entity. Examples of these governments abound, including Assad’s murderously repressive regime in Syria and the silencing of dissent and journalism in Russia.

The great danger of these is, as our country’s Founding Fathers knew quite well, too much power on the part of any one person or group limits the options and autonomy of the masses.

Then there are dystopic states that seem nonauthoritarian but still take away basic human rights through market forces; we call these “capitocracies.” Individual workers and consumers are often exploited by the political-industrial complex, and the environment and other public goods suffer. A great fictional example is Wall-E by Pixar (2008), in which the U.S. president is also CEO of “Buy ‘N Large,” a multinational corporation controlling the economy.

There are not perfect real-life examples of this, but elements are visible in the chaebol – family business – power in South Korea, and in various manifestations of corporate political power in the U.S, including deregulation , corporate personhood status and big-company bailouts .

Lastly there are state-of-nature dystopias, usually resulting from the collapse of a failed government. The resulting territory reverts to a primitive feudalism, ungoverned except for small tribal-held fiefdoms where individual dictators rule with impunity. The Citadel versus Gastown in the stunning 2015 movie “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a good fictional depiction. A real-life example was seen in the once barely governed Somalia , where, for almost 20 years until 2012, as a U.N. official described it, “armed warlords (were) fighting each other on a clan basis.”

Fiction and real life

Indeed, political dystopia is often easier to see using the lens of fiction, which exaggerates behaviors, trends and patterns to make them more visible.

But behind the fiction there is always a real-world correlate. Orwell had Stalin, Franco and Hitler very much in mind when writing “1984.”

Atwood, whom literary critics call the “ prophet of dystopia ,” recently defined dystopia as when “[W]arlords and demagogues take over, some people forget that all people are people, enemies are created, vilified and dehumanized, minorities are persecuted, and human rights as such are shoved to the wall.”

Some of this may be, as Atwood added , the “cusp of where we are living now.”

But the U.S. is not a dystopia. It still has functioning democratic institutions. Many in the U.S. fight against dehumanization and persecution of minorities. Courts are adjudicating cases. Legislatures are passing bills. Congress has not adjourned , nor has the fundamental right of habeas corpus – the protection against illegal detention by the state – (yet) been suspended .

Crisis as opportunity

And still. One frequent warning is that a major crisis can cover for the rolling back of democracy and curtailing of freedoms. In Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a medical crisis is the pretext for suspending the Constitution.

In real life, too, crises facilitate authoritarian backsliding. In Hungary the pandemic has sped democracy’s unraveling. The legislature gave strongman Prime Minister Viktor Orban the power to rule by sole decree indefinitely , the lower courts are suspended and free speech is restricted.

Similar dangers exist in any number of countries where democratic institutions are frayed or fragile; leaders with authoritarian tendencies may be tempted to leverage the crisis to consolidate power.

But there are also positive signs for democracy.

People are coming together in ways that didn’t seem possible just a few months ago. This social capital is an important element in a democracy.

Ordinary people are performing incredible acts of kindness and generosity – from shopping for neighbors to serenading residents at a nursing home to a mass movement to sew facemasks .

In politics, Wisconsin primary voters risked their lives to exercise their right to vote during the height of the pandemic. Citizens and civil society are pushing federal and state governments to ensure election safety and integrity in the remaining primaries and the November election.

Despite the eerie silence in public spaces, despite the preventable deaths that should weigh heavily on the consciences of public officials, even despite the authoritarian tendencies of too many leaders, the U.S. is not a dystopia – yet.

Overuse clouds the word’s meaning. Fictional dystopias warn of preventable futures; those warnings can help avert the actual demise of democracy.

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George Orwell
1984 (novel)
The Lego Movie
Authoritarianism
The Hunger Games
Mad Max: Fury Road
Viktor Orbán
Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid's Tale

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Writing Prompts

56 Dystopian Writing Prompts

Escape to a dark, disheartened world with these 56 dystopian writing prompts .

Mass poverty, cruelty and fear cover a dystopian world. From the shelter-like homes to the dark, broken streets. Life is hard. When writing a story set in a dystopian world you need to describe the harsh reality of this world in great detail. Make the reader fear this world. Think about the leaders who have control. This control might be significant, where harsh rules are made to keep the peace. Alternatively, there could be a rebellion, where leaders have no control and civilians are running havoc. See our master list of world-building questions to help develop a believable dystopian world.

A dystopian world is a world in shatters and ruins. How did it become this way? What rules and regimes do civilians follow, if any? What type of crime is most prominent in this world? These questions will help you create a realistic and powerful dystopian world for your readers.

Looking for some name ideas for your new world? Check out this world name generator . You might also find this list of Earth day writing prompts and this list of over 110 sci-fi writing prompts .

Dystopian writing prompts

To help you create a powerful story about a society in crisis, here are our 56 dystopian writing prompts:

In the year 2,121, sea levels have risen at an extreme rate. 98% of the Earth is now underwater. The remaining 2% is made of small islands scattered across the Earth. With resources at a scarcity, the islands must work together if they are to survive.
A virus has wiped out 95% of humanity in the future. The only survivors are machines and a group of secret underground warriors who rebelled against technology for centuries.
In the future, a virus has caused some humans to mutate into ravenous troll-like beasts. While the remaining humans have to learn to survive in the world with these beasts.
The life expectancy of people has dropped drastically in the future. At the age of 18, humans start to deteriorate and slowly pass away. The ruler is an arrogant 14-year-old kid.
Scientists have combined robotics with human tissue to increase the life expectancy of humans. Apart from the vital organs, such as lungs and heart, as well as parts of the brain, humans are mostly robotic. Eventually, humans start losing control of their bodies to machines.
From the moment a human is born to the day they die, humans are connected to the internet. Everything they need to know about life is on a screen to which they are connected. One day, a technology outbreak completely wipes the internet. Humans are switched off. What happens next?
Scientists have found the secret to endless happiness. They create a new pill that needs to be taken once a day to remain happy. But is this new pill all as it seems?
To promote equality in the future, humans have to dress the same and talk the same. Any inappropriate English and slang words are banned. All around the world, everyone must speak English. If these rules are broken, the rule breaker will be sentenced to prison or even death.
With the brand new Cloner 3000, cloning is just a button press away. Clone your cat, your dog and even yourself if you dare. What are the potential dangers of cloning yourself too many times?
Law and order is destroyed in the future. People are free to do whatever they want without any consequences. Until a group of vigilante heroes decide to recreate the law.
There are two types of people, the rich and the poor. The rich have an extreme amount of money and power. And the poor are living on the streets and undergrounds, struggling to get by. A poor orphan girl is adopted by a rich family and discovers a deadly secret about how the rich become rich.
The excessive use of technology and social media has meant that 95% of the world suffers from extreme social phobia. The slightest human interaction results in mass panic attacks. One brave human decides to create a group where people can meet face to face regularly to help them overcome this fear.
Crime has become such a huge issue in the future, that every home in the world has become a prison cell. Prison guards patrol the streets and provide prisoners with the essentials. One guard feeling guilty that his family is locked behind bars, tries freeing them, and soon things get out of control.
Oxygen is the new currency in the future. Instead of money people buy, earn and sell little canisters of oxygen. Continue this dystopian story…
Desperate to create the perfect world, the government provides every person with a free virtual reality headset. Once worn, the person is transported to a tranquil utopia. Meanwhile, the government secretly has other plans in the real world.
A virus has turned every tree, plant and flower on earth into flesh-eating monsters. The only way to survive is to kill all plant life on Earth, but how will the planet survive?
A new mobile app in the future tells people when to eat, sleep, drink and essentially live. Without the app, humans would be lost, confused and clueless. A group of cyber hackers, hack this app to gain control of all humans.
Being the main cause of social disorders and suicides, the internet is banned in the year 2,098. With the ban of the internet, people slowly resort to the old ways of living before the internet ever existed. Until a group of individuals find a way to bring back the net.
Bored of old-style video gaming, humans resort to sticking chips inside prisoners. Once a prisoner is chipped, they can be controlled like a video game character.
Desperate to be beautiful and young, rich people resort to stealing the actual skin and facial features of ordinary people. These extreme surgeries soon start to have a weird effect on humans.
The Earth has been destroyed by a huge asteroid. A few humans that survived by living underground finally emerge to start a new life on Earth.
With the Earth’s population at an all-time high, it’s time for every human to prove their worth. After the age of 16, humans must take a test every year. If they fail the test, they are killed immediately. One young adult scores incredibly high on the test making them the ‘chosen one’.
Due to the lack of resources on Earth, all luxury items have been banned. People survive on basic rations of bread, rice and beans each month. No vanity items, such as jewellery or make-up are allowed. One day a group of civilians discover that luxury items do exist, but only the leaders can use them.
For the sake of human evolution, scientists have turned the small town of Whitefish into a huge science experiment. No one is allowed to enter or leave the city unless they are told so. Every now and then, a new stimulus is introduced, so that scientists can record the human reactions for a research paper.
Write a story about the aftermath of World War 5. Who was at war and who lost it? What devastation did the war create on Earth?
In the far future, robots are responsible for creating human life. They carefully program each human when they are born to do certain tasks in life. One human realizes that they don’t need to follow the orders programmed in them and fights for freedom.
After a huge asteroid hits Earth, the last two survivors have to find a way to recreate life. It’s a modern, dystopian Adam and Eve story.
World leaders ban religion and talk of God in the future. A man discovers a secret church up in the mountains where people secretly believe in God.
Due to animal cruelty, people are no longer allowed to have animals as pets in the future. All pets live out in the wild without any human masters. One homeless teenager finds a hurt dog in the wild and takes care of it. Eventually, authorities find out about this forbidden friendship.
A bored scientist dedicates his whole life to recreating popular monsters like vampires, werewolves and Frankenstein’s monster in real life. He finally masters the procedure and offers it to rich people at a price.
Tired of the rat race and busy city-living, people move to the country to live a peaceful and calm life. Eventually, cities like New York City become a playground for criminals and runaways.
When the human population on land reaches an all-time high. One man goes on a quest to create the ultimate underwater city for humans. Continue this story.
In the year 2,121, 100% of the population becomes vegan. Eating any sort of animal product is considered cannibalism. Farm animals realize that humans will no longer eat them, so decide to plan their revenge.
Cyber-pets become a huge thing in the future. Technology advances so much that people would rather buy robotic pets inside of real ones. This results in more stray animals on the streets. With no human love, the pets turn into savages attacking both humans and the cyber-pets.
Humans have left Earth for a better life on Mars. One day, thousands of years later, a space astronaut from Mars lands on Earth to find…
In the future, the majority of jobs have been taken over by robots. The only way to earn money is to take part in a series of games and challenges created by the rich for their entertainment.
Everyone on Earth has experienced some sort of mutation in the future. This mutation has made humans powerful and troll-like. As the only pure human (with no mutations), your character’s daughter is kidnapped by a group of mutants who want to use her blood to make humans human-like again.
Imagine you are the last human survivor on Earth. What would you do alone on Earth?
Describe a future where all humans are either deaf or blind.
You and your family live underground away from all the technology. Write a series of diary entries about life underground.
Sugar is banned completely in the future. Even fruits that taste sugary are no longer available. You are the leader of a secret underground group that creates your own homemade sugar. However since humans haven’t tasted sugar in a long time, the results become very dangerous.
Since Earth has been destroyed, every family lives in their own spaceship homes floating around the galaxy. Every now and then you need to protect your home from space invaders, pirates and of course black holes.
Write a story about one boy, his dog and a group of robots living on Earth as the only survivors.
Lying dormant deep at the core of the Earth, dragons finally awake. After a series of powerful earthquakes, they burst through the ground one by one.
With surveillance cameras watching everyone. A new TV show called, ‘Did They Really Do That’ airs across the nation showing the most embarrassing moments of civilians living in your area. You then go on a mission to destroy all surveillance and destroy the TV show.
One man’s dream to swim with the dolphins is taken to extremes, as he genetically modifies a group of humans, so that they can swim underwater. Unknowingly these humans turn into monstrous mermaid-like creatures.
Huge floating islands are created all over Earth to cope with the increase in the human population. These floating islands become new countries on the map with their own rules and way of life.
In the year 3,021 world peace is finally achieved. Everyone lives in perfect harmony. But how was this world peace achieved? One curious civilian makes a shocking discovery.
Write a news article about the latest riot happening in your town in the year 2,899. Why did this riot happen? Who was involved? Where did it happen? What exactly happened before and during the riot?
You are a lab assistant for a company that creates genetic make-up for humans. The make-up keeps humans looking young for their entire lifespan of 180 years. One day you discover something shocking…
Cats and dogs have evolved into human-shaped beings. They now rule Earth and treat humans like pets.
Due to natural extinction and the threat of disease, all animals are gone in the future. You and your family have created a secret underground zoo , which holds the last remaining animals on Earth.
Write a story from the perspective of a servant robot who wants to be the mayor of the city.
Scientists have learned to extract emotions from humans and contain them in jars. At a price, you can remove negative emotions like anger, sadness and fear. You can also sell and buy positive emotions like happiness. To obtain a new emotion, you simply inhale the emotion directly from the jar. In a special clinic, over 10,000 jars of emotions are contained, until one day…
The Earth is a massive video game for advanced aliens living on a distant planet. They randomly spawn monsters whenever they feel like, and can control any human they like. One day the aliens are so bored that they create a big scary boss monster for a town of people to fight.
In an effort to create a better world, all humans must take a personality test. If your personality does not meet the criteria set by the government, then you are sent to work camps. People at the work camps live a horrible life of abuse, torture and endless hard work for 18 hours a day. Imagine that your main character fails the personality test, and is sent to one of these camps.

For more gritty ideas, check out our guide on what is dieselpunk plus story ideas .

What do you think of these dystopian writing prompts? Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Dystopia Essay Examples

The dangers of a dystopia.

Dystopian literature often foreshadows the future, revealing what life may be like if current societal issues are not appropriately resolved. Characterized by injustice and mayhem, a dystopia is a flawed society in which citizens are considered an extension of the dysfunctional environment that they live...

Real World Dystopia

Utopianism has slowly made its way into a literary genre by authors comparable to Thomas More. More’s book, Utopia was written to show his disdain about the political corruption that happened in Europe during his life. Comparing the word “Utopia” to both a good place...

Dystopian Short Story: Comparison of Bradbury’s and Shur's Works

A dystopian text is an imagined world in which the illusion of a perfect society is maintained through technological and authoritarian power. This is one of the dystopian short story essays where we will analyse some of the dystopian short stories. The first one is...

Different Approaches to Utopia: Problems and Innovations

This utopia essay aims to discuss and examine the ideal order, system, life and society ideas that the human world is always in search of. It will address the impact of multiple interactions between society and the future state management systems. The problems and innovations...

Representation of the Problems of Contemporary Society in Ender's Game

The concepts and proposition put forward by an author present to the audience relevant problems which might be embedded in today’s society. Sci-fi novels occasionally portray our world as a dystopian environment within the future, emphasizing problems of contemporary society. These novels allow authors to...

Nineteen Eighty-four: Dystopia Story

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” ― George Orwell, 1984 Nineteen eighty-four (1984 ) is a Dystopia story - what could be regarded as the worst possible life,a political satire novel written by George Orwell. The story is...

Fahrenheit 451 is the Dystopian Novel

Fahrenheit 451 is the dystopian novel written by Ray Bradbury in 1953. The novel is set in a future American society in which books are burned once they are found by fireman. In the novel Bradbury uses the art of symbolism to help strengthen the...

Dystopian Society in the Lord of the Flies

While the serenity of the island may have hinted towards an edenic utopia, William Golding’s The Lord of the Flies quickly deviates to a dystopian society as the boys become inundated with Their animalistic instincts. Golding uses imagery of the dense jungleto express the sense...

The Elements of Dystopian Society in Anthem by Ayn Rand

The novel ‘Anthem,’ by Ayn Rand is an example of a dystopian society. A dystopian society is one that is as dehumanizing and as unpleasant as possible. In the dystopian society that Rand has created people must only be referred to as ‘we,’ rather than...

Depiction of Violence and Harassment in Ender's Game

In the book, Ender’s Game, written by Orson Scott Card and the movie, there is a lot of violence and harassment. This violence seems to be brought on by older figures, like the adults. The forcefulness transfers from the adults over to the children, so...

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About Dystopia

A dystopia (from Ancient Greek δυσ- "bad, hard" and τόπος "place"; alternatively cacotopia or simply anti-utopia) is a speculated community or society that is undesirable or frightening. Dystopias are often characterized by rampant fear or distress, tyrannical governments, environmental disaster, or other characteristics associated with a cataclysmic decline in society.

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

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