Just as utopian novels in the 20th and 21st centuries never truly exemplify a perfect world, the word "utopia" originally meant a nonexistent place. The thing which defines a utopia is the fact that it is unattainable. It was only relatively recently that the definition of "utopia" came to mean a "real place which is perceived or imagined as perfect." Even today, this perfection of utopias can only exist in one's imagination or perception.
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Is Utopian Literature Actually Utopian?All literature discussed on this website--from The Lorax to the Hunger Games to Brave New World-- begins in a seemingly perfect world. Everyone is overjoyed to be exactly where they are and they feel as if nothing could possibly be wrong (hence their "Utopian" classification). However, the conflict in each of these stories arises when characters begin to realize that their worlds are far from perfect. Every good book must have some sort of problem to be solved, whether it be mental or physical. Because of this, no book concerning a utopian society can simply discuss how perfect a world is. There must always be some sort of problem to spur the plot. As a result, no Utopian literature ever discusses merely a Utopian world; a dystopian world must also come into play. |
Why Does Utopian Literature Matter?
FOR ALL AGES
Utopian (or dystopian) literature helps readers see how and why the world might change in the future. It offers a possibility for readers, and a warning as well. Utopian literature exists to show readers how a seemingly perfect world is never quite perfect enough. It is important to expose society to utopian literature because it allows people to extrapolate what characteristics are beneficial or detrimental to a successful community. Additionally, it should be noted that utopian literature can tend to reflect historical societies through what kinds of problems, limitations, and situations it presents. Novels present historical events by describing utopian strategies, such as communism, that were previously ineffective in the past, and then adding vibrant characters as well as changing the setting to teach the audience about why the strategy did not work and cautions about repetition.
FOR CHILDREN
In children's utopian literature, imaginations are sparked as the author introduces the idea of an ideal world, where everyone lives in perfect harmony. Exposing children to utopian literature allows them to develop problem-solving skills. For example, young children encountering the story of The Lorax will begin to think about why using up natural resources could cause a peaceful society to wither. The end of the story leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity, as the Once-ler gifts the child with the seed of the last Truffela tree. A child reading this story can begin to think about what ways the community could be restored if the child with the seed uses it wisely. Children who think about ways to improve communities tend to have better problem-solving skills, which are immensely important to their educational growth.
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Utopian literature encourages young adults to contemplate further the reasons why utopias in literature and reality often fail. During the past few decades, interest in utopian literature among young adults has skyrocketed with the publishing of books such as The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau and The Giver by Lois Lowry. Both of these stories are set in towns that seem pretty ideal in the beginning; however, it soon becomes apparent that not everything is always as perfect as it initially seems. These utopian novels inspire young adults to think about what would be featured in their own personal utopia and what could possibly make it crumble. Young adult utopian literature spurs an increase in creative thinking and problem-solving skills among its readers.
FOR ADULTS
Adult literature can easily be forgotten, but it holds great power in the literary world. Adult utopian literature provides an avenue for imagination which adults often neglect--it provides an alternate reality and an opportunity to see the world through a different lens. Because adults have (arguably) the power to immediately change the world around them, it's incredibly important that they are the ones who read the cautionary tales of utopian societies.
Utopian (or dystopian) literature helps readers see how and why the world might change in the future. It offers a possibility for readers, and a warning as well. Utopian literature exists to show readers how a seemingly perfect world is never quite perfect enough. It is important to expose society to utopian literature because it allows people to extrapolate what characteristics are beneficial or detrimental to a successful community. Additionally, it should be noted that utopian literature can tend to reflect historical societies through what kinds of problems, limitations, and situations it presents. Novels present historical events by describing utopian strategies, such as communism, that were previously ineffective in the past, and then adding vibrant characters as well as changing the setting to teach the audience about why the strategy did not work and cautions about repetition.
FOR CHILDREN
In children's utopian literature, imaginations are sparked as the author introduces the idea of an ideal world, where everyone lives in perfect harmony. Exposing children to utopian literature allows them to develop problem-solving skills. For example, young children encountering the story of The Lorax will begin to think about why using up natural resources could cause a peaceful society to wither. The end of the story leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity, as the Once-ler gifts the child with the seed of the last Truffela tree. A child reading this story can begin to think about what ways the community could be restored if the child with the seed uses it wisely. Children who think about ways to improve communities tend to have better problem-solving skills, which are immensely important to their educational growth.
FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Utopian literature encourages young adults to contemplate further the reasons why utopias in literature and reality often fail. During the past few decades, interest in utopian literature among young adults has skyrocketed with the publishing of books such as The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau and The Giver by Lois Lowry. Both of these stories are set in towns that seem pretty ideal in the beginning; however, it soon becomes apparent that not everything is always as perfect as it initially seems. These utopian novels inspire young adults to think about what would be featured in their own personal utopia and what could possibly make it crumble. Young adult utopian literature spurs an increase in creative thinking and problem-solving skills among its readers.
FOR ADULTS
Adult literature can easily be forgotten, but it holds great power in the literary world. Adult utopian literature provides an avenue for imagination which adults often neglect--it provides an alternate reality and an opportunity to see the world through a different lens. Because adults have (arguably) the power to immediately change the world around them, it's incredibly important that they are the ones who read the cautionary tales of utopian societies.