Fears for the future : delving into contemporary dystopias

Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between dystopian literature and the twenty-first century. Two novels are analysed against current events happening world-over. Mainly in order to understand and shed light on facts pertaining to a resurgence within the dystopian genre. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four are specifically explored within the context of the twenty-first century, given their current popularity. Aspects from both novels which people are relating to the present are mentioned throughout, namely; issues relating to women’s rights, the phenomenon of Fake News, Excessive surveillance, Lack of privacy in the digital age and the advancement technology. The second major part of the argument presented throughout this thesis is the discussion regarding the real vs. the imaginary. This is analysed within both novels and also with respect to the ways in which people might try to escape reality in the twenty-first century.