Utopias vs Dystopias: Exploring Imagined Societies

Introduction

Hey Authors of Tomorrow, I’d like to welcome you to the post all about hellscapes and societal havens. The worlds of dystopias and utopias have long been a part of speculative fiction across all of it’s sub-genres. While the dystopian YA novels overtook much of the industry for a while, they’re still a valid story approach no matter the age. But let’s look at some definitions before we get too far into the discussion.

Dystopian – relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice.

Utopian – modeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic.

(Both definitions are courtesy of OxfordLanguages.)

Utopias and dystopias are more than just stories, they often warn of the potential societal success or fall. They make readers stop and think of what could happen if something is fully committed to. These concepts often make comments on current societal standards or standards that we’re lacking. They also allow the exploration of human nature on both sides of the fence.

Understanding utopias and dystopias can enhance your world-building and social commentary in sci-fi and fantasy.

Historical Context

Origins of Utopian Literature

The Utopia is something that many have aspired to, dreamed of, and tried to build. It’s the concept of idealism that has captured many governments, societies, and groups of people that tried to set it in motion. The concept of the perfect society probably appeared long before the first stories published, but it’s earliest appearances in literature go back to the 380 BCE.

Often considered the first utopian novel, though the term utopia wouldn’t appear until much later, Plato’s “Republic” served as both an allegory and a critique of existing systems. Plato created the Kallipolis, an ideal city ruled by philosopher-kings. The leaders went through fifty years of education before governing. Plato favored the Totalitarian approach to an ideal society. Ultimately, “Republic” would later influence a knighted author to create his own idealistic society.

Sir Thomas More’s “Utopia,” published in 1516, is a work that envisioned an idyllic society on a fictional island. More explored aspects of an ideal society, including governance, legal systems, and social structure. The focus on optimal conditions, social harmony, and communal living served as a critique of the state of European politics and society. The society in Utopia has many similarities to monasteries, such as simplicity, communal ownership, and a focus on intellectual and spiritual pursuits. This piece continues to captivate readers and scholars by exploring different social structures and political systems.

Both utopias challenged past and even present norms. They offer unique societies with alternative answers to how to lead the best life. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any new utopian pieces for a while. If you know of any, please drop them in the comments and I’ll happily update that statement.

While utopians are a wonderful idea, sometimes our focus changes as the world changes.

Evolution of Dystopian Fiction

Dystopian fiction emerged shortly after World War I as optimism waned and societal perspectives shifted. The evolution of dystopian fiction reflects socities growing anxieties, technological advancements, and changing perspectives. It truly channels the fears of our society and the dangerous side of the “what if” question. As dystopian writers, you’re going to call out more than surface level issues with society and share in your fears or predictions for the future.

Dystopian fiction often warns against unchecked power, societal decay, and the erosion of human rights. In this generally stabilized world of chaos we live in, those are the directions the waning optimism has shifted mindsets. Let’s look at two classic examples.

In “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley (1939), there’s a futuristic society that manipulates its citizens through genetic engineering and conditioning. Huxley examines the effects of scientific progress on society, including reproductive technology, psychological manipulation, and losing individuality.

George Orwell’s “1984” (1949) serves as a warning against totalitarianism, mass surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. The novel’s depiction of Airstrip One, formerly known as Great Britain, offers a chilling portrayal of a society under constant surveillance and control. Orwell shows how one person’s rebellion can have a powerful effect in the face of Big Brother’s oppressive rule, using the character Winston Smith. “1984” explores fear, manipulation, and loss of personal freedom, serving as a timeless cautionary tale.

You may notice that utopian novels and dystopian novels may show the same thing, like totalitarianism, in two different lights. Plato’s “Republic” highlighted its strengths, and George Orwell’s “1984” dredged up its weaknesses. You may often find yourself inspired to write the opposite of a dystopian or utopian just to prove there is good and bad in all.

Key Characteristics of Utopias

Everyone has a theory of what the ideal society would look like, and as authors, we throw our hat in this ring. The idealized social structure is where many authors begin. If we can fix the people, we can fix society. While you can work off many pre-established social structures, the best option is to look at the characteristics seen in utopian societies. These include equitable distribution, justice, fairness, education, enlightenment, social harmony, health, and well-being.

You’re going to show things a lower separation of the rich and the poor. Laws will be transparent, impartial, and enforced consistently. Everyone will gain an education, because it’s accessible and encouraged by the community. Tolerance and empathy prevail among your people because they know how to resolve conflicts.

Sounds like a pretty wonderful, right?

The concept of peace is what we all hope for, so it makes sense that we would want to embrace these types of stories. Utopian novels often reflect the potential of advanced technology.

Advanced Technology or Harmonious Nature

Advanced technology can be just as amazing in utopias as it is terrifying in dystopias. In utopias, scientific progress has reached its highest level, benefiting the people living there. Often you’ll see things like diseases as a thing of the past as the technology has finally outpaced them. The technology in your utopia will have one purpose alone, to improve the life of those who use it. This can include helpful robots, advanced medicines, and external modifications to help those with disabilities.

The other approach is a complete harmonization with nature. This is often represented by people living within forests, mountainsides, and other natural settings, all while maintaining a minimal impact on the environment. You’ll find more natural technologies like solar, wind, and water. The goal is to maintain a delicate balance between minimal impact to the environment and allowing the society to thrive.

Absence of Conflict or Suffering

I know this may sound too good to be true, and often these stories show it is, but the absence of conflict or suffering can appear in many forms. The absence of conflict doesn’t always mean that there’s a complete peace in the land, but that it isn’t anywhere close to how we see it today. Story is driven by conflict, and so long as there are two people, creatures, or other life forms, conflict exists.

Your characters are still going to have internal struggles as they work to maintain the utopia they live in. As society continues on, you’ll see branching ideas on what defines the utopia and philosophical debates will follow. This can lead to silent rivalries and other interpersonal issues. This is how you keep your narrative engaging.

Perfect or Near-Perfect Equality

Utopians envision a society where not only economic, government, justice, and gender equality are achieved, but also where environmental sustainability and technological advancement are integrated seamlessly. In this utopian world, not only the chosen ideological perspective but also the collective understanding acknowledges that progress and harmony in one area cannot be achieved at the expense of another, making the method and structures of equality dependent on it. It is an idealistic vision where every individual’s rights and needs are weighed and balanced with the greater good of the community, creating an interconnected web of equality and prosperity.

Despite these amazing things, your utopia could be just one step away from turning into a dystopia.

Key Characteristics of Dystopias

Oh, dystopias. The stories that have taken hold of our literature long ago and continued to grow from there. One of the most well-recognized dystopian novels is The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. I’m sure we’ll reference that and many other dystopias throughout this next section, so let’s dive in.

There are many ways to suppress a society on the dredges of dystopia. Oppressive social structures are just the beginning. These are social structures designed to segregate groups of people “for the good of society”. Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a great example of this where the people are segregated by colors and the life they know is defined by that color.

In dystopias, the government usually controls social structures and limits the freedom of the people. You’ll see greater disparities between rich and poor people. Many of those poor people will feel a sense of helplessness and despair. This creates a powerful lense for the author to critique current trends, norms, and political systems.

Technology Used for Control

Technology is a wonderful thing, and it can benefit society in so many ways. However, dystopias focus on the ramifications of such technologies existing. There are dark sides to every piece of technology designed to help someone.

Surveillance is probably one of the most controlling aspects talked of in modern dystopian fiction. I recently read “The Rule of One” by Ashlie Saunders and Leslie Saunders that explores the overbearing surveillance of a near future Texas. It also addresses population control, but really it draws the attention to the future we may already experience without realizing it.

You’ll also see topics of biotechnological control and AI takeovers in many dystopian novels. If you remember back to the tropes post, the bad robot is a common story type for dystopias focused on technology.

Environmental Devastation

Just as a utopia can focus on a perfect balance with nature, its opposite, dystopia, often features environmental devastation. This devastation acts as an outer reflection of the internal turmoil of the people. Burned trees, for instance, align with the dystopian color scheme much better than live trees.

In dystopias, environmental destruction represents the breakdown of society and human welfare. Societies often gauge the success of a group based on how well they care for the land they oversee. Consider a neighborhood, whether it’s the one you grew up in or where you live now. When houses are brand new, the neighborhood exudes a fresh sense of the people. As people with different standards of living move in, the neighborhood deteriorates, like in dystopian worlds.

In “The Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler, the protagonist navigates a world ravaged by climate change and societal collapse. This setting vividly illustrates how environmental devastation can mirror the disintegration of social structures and human values. Butler’s world is one where resources are scarce, and survival is a daily struggle, reflecting the broader themes of environmental and societal decay.

But how do you show these besides dead trees and weed-filled lawns?

Set the scene with desolate landscapes and ruined cities. You can describe the open areas of your world as barren, scorched earth, or dried-up rivers. Then your cities appear as crumbled, neglected, and have suffered natural disasters or human conflicts. These visuals convey a sense of loss and decay.

Next, you can focus on the impact on society. The devastated environment will affect resources and health issues. You’re more likely to find unhealthy people, animals, and plants that are often fought over. How often do your characters find an opportunity to bathe? What does their diet include? Where do they find shelter?

Writing Exercise: Crafting a Utopian/Dystopian Society

Create a paired set of short scenes (250-500 words each) depicting the same society from both utopian and dystopian perspectives.

Choose a Focal Point: Select one of the following aspects of society to center your scenes around:

Advanced Technology
Environmental Management
Social Structure
Government System

Utopian Scene: Write a scene showcasing your chosen focal point in an idealized, utopian light. Consider:

How does this aspect contribute to social harmony?
What problems has it solved?
How do characters interact positively with this element?

Dystopian Scene: Rewrite the scene, transforming the same focal point into a dystopian nightmare. Consider:

How has this aspect been corrupted or misused?
What new problems has it created?
How do characters struggle against or suffer from this element?

Reflection: After writing both scenes, answer these questions:

What subtle details did you use to shift the tone between utopia and dystopia?
How did you portray the “absence of conflict” in the utopian scene while still maintaining reader interest?
In the dystopian scene, how did you balance showcasing societal issues with individual character experiences?
What challenged you most about writing each perspective?

Remember, the line between utopia and dystopia can be thin. What seems perfect on the surface may have hidden flaws, and what appears nightmarish might have unexpected benefits. Explore these nuances in your writing.

Conclusion

Utopias and dystopias are valuable tools for speculative fiction writers to delve into societal issues, human nature, and possible futures. By understanding the key characteristics and historical context of these genres, authors can craft compelling narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire change.

Whether you’re envisioning a perfect world or warning against a nightmarish future, remember that the most impactful stories often blur the lines between utopia and dystopia, reflecting the complex realities of our own world.

As you embark on your writing journey, use these concepts to create rich, multifaceted universes that challenge readers to question their assumptions and imagine new possibilities.

Previous Post: Myers Fiction September Newsletter

Previous Writing Post: Genre Mashups: Successfully Combining Fantasy, Sci-Fi and More

Next Post: Designing Alien Species Part 3: Interactions with Humans

Discover more from Kenneth W. Myers

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Kenneth W. Myers

Utopias vs Dystopias: Exploring Imagined Societies

Introduction