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Utopia and Dystopia
Two visions of the world
Utopia
Definition: An imagined place or state of
things in which perfection has been
achieved.
Origin: Sir Thomas More, 1516, Utopia
Concept originally linked to religious
ideals, but now also refers to sociopolitical ideals
Utopia
How would you describe a utopian society?
What would it look like?
How would people act?
Would there be laws?
How would the utopian society handle the
following things:
Education
Medical issues
Careers
Fashion
Entertainment
Utopia
 Could
a utopian society ever truly
exist? Why or Why not?

Have you ever seen a movie or read a book that
was about a utopian society?
• Describe it.
Dystopia
 Definition:
an imagined place or state of
things in which everything is unpleasant,
typically a degraded environment and a
totalitarian regime
 Origin:
John Stuart Mill, 1868 speech in
the House of Commons about Irish
problem Common theme in modern books
and movies
Characteristics of a Dystopian
Society
 Propaganda
is used to control the citizens
of a society
 Information, independent thought , and
freedom are restricted
 A figurehead or concept is worshipped by
the citizens of the society
 Citizens are perceived to be under
constant surveillance
Characteristics of a Dystopian
Society
 Citizens
have a fear of the outside world
 Citizens live in a dehumanized state
 The natural world is banished and
distrusted
 Citizens conform to uniform expectations.
Individuality and dissent are bad
 The society is an illusion of a perfect
utopian world