Dystopian Science Fiction’s Big 3
The Trifecta
I’ve done it. I’ve finally read all
3 of dystopian science fictions classic novels. This time last year I hadn’t
read any of them, which I know is surprising.
In fact, out of the books most commonly read in high school these three
were the only dystopian science fiction books and there was only one other
science fiction book on the list (1). What makes these books so popular? Why
are all 3 of them popular in high schools? Why not just one? Each one adds
something unique to classroom discussions and our view of the world that exists
or the world that could exist if we are not vigilant.
1984
In my education classes, 1984 came up the most. In fact one of my
professors said that she preferred it to the other two because of all the
terminology that lead to great discussions in her classroom. While A Brave New World also has a significant
amount of terminology, the book doesn’t focus on the power of words as much as 1984 does. 1984 takes place during a time of transition in the dystopian
world, where the government of Oceania is attempting to introduce a new way of
talking called “newspeak”. Naturally, English teachers appreciate this theme,
because one of the goals of a high school English class is to get students to
appreciate the power of words.
With every term introduced, another
discussion can be had about how does this term attempt to reframe the way
people view this concept. Why would the Oceania government want to specifically
reframe this term as opposed to other terms? How does this accomplish their
goal of limiting human thought? Can that even be accomplished? While A Brave New World also has a significant
number of new terminology, the book doesn’t focus as heavily on the role of
words, as 1984 does. It brings up
opportunities to talk about freedom of speech and the effect of collectively
agreed upon lies. Plus, the fact that some of Orwell’s terminology has filtered
into regular speech allows for comparisons between the modern world and
Orwell’s imagined one.
Fahrenheit 451
Before I read this one, I often got
the plotline confused with 1984, asmy post on the book reveals. In
hindsight it would have made more sense for me to confuse A Brave New World with 1984,
but there are still significant similarities between Fahrenheit 451 and 1984. Both
of the books’ protagonists work for parts of the government erasing
information. In 1984, Winston works
for the Ministry of Truth rewriting history in years or just days past. In Fahrenheit 451, Guy works as a fireman
erasing the written history of books.
While 1984
focuses primarily on a society that tightly controls language, particularly verbal
language, Fahrenheit 451 works to
control people through (e)limiting media thereby shortening their attention
spans. Sure they have the entertainment walls, and short snippets of
information here and there, but no long-form meaningful conversations, neither
with each other, nor in their own minds. As Guy attempts to make sense of the
book he stole, he can’t even focus as an annoying advertising jingle keeps him
from thinking. Therefore, as Fahrenheit 451 is about a man discovering the
beauty and worth of books, it’s only appropriate that the book itself be
beautifully written. As I mentioned before, “It was a pleasure to burn. It was
a special pleasure to see things eaten, too see things blackened and changed,”
is one of my favorite opening lines.
A Brave New World
Finally, A Brave New World. It was the last of the three I read and happens
to be the last on this list. If 1984 focused
on controlling verbal language in order to limit thought, and Fahrenheit 451 focused on controlling
written information in order to limit attention spans, then A Brave New World focuses on controlling
emotion to limit passion. How can a society rebel if they are constantly
happily at ease? This was the strategy of the Romans, “panem et circenses,”
bread and circuses. Why complain if you have plenty to eat some soma and can go
to the feelies when you’re bored?
Even though the children are brainwashed
to believe certain platitudes about their lives, the complete subjugation of
the populace wouldn’t be possible without soma. Soma is a drug that keeps its
users feeling great with no immediate negative side effects. Eventually,
though, everyone dies promptly at the age of 60, because soma shortens human
life spans, and sometimes in the case of John’s mother rather dramatically so.
Despite it’s incredible numbing properties, it’s effects are temporary. People
have to keep using it to stave off dealing with any emotion that doesn’t flit
across the surface, but instead has substance to it. What is the antithesis of
soma’s fleeting nature? According to Huxley, the answer must be Shakespeare.
When John, the savage, is introduced to the outside world, he scoffs at it due
to the fact that the people are if not incapable, then vehemently unwilling to feel
deep emotions.
Discussions
A world wherein the government
controls verbal and written language as well as emotion would be bleak. But the
idea, though intimidating, is fascinating to turn around and around in our
hands like an interesting rock we happened upon at the beach. The make us ask
questions like:
Are there any attempts to control speech?
Should there be any restrictions on
speech?
What is distracting us today?
What should we focus on?
What is today’s bread and circus?
Are negative emotions valuable?
How about you?
What questions do these books bring up
for you? What are the governments of each book trying to control? Did I get it
totally wrong or did I nail it? Did you read or are you reading any of these
books in high school? Let me know and let’s start our own discussion.
Sources:
Image Credit:
Ray Bradbury. Fahrenheit 451. című
könyvének borítója, magyar kiadás by Agavekonyvek Wikimedia Commons
Cover Illustration 1984. 1950 Edition. Signet Classics.
Cover art Leslie Holland. 1932 Edition Chatto & Windus.
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