Micah Palmer

11/20/11

English 112B

Are You Relevant?

An Annotated Bibliography of Dystopian Novels

The thematic focus of my annotated bibliography is the unique and important role of the individual in the world and how one person can make a difference. I chose to approach this theme from the standpoint of the dystopian novel because this genre typically involves the protagonist�s conflict with an extremely unjust and oppressive society.

The centerpiece of my discussion is Franz Kafka�s The Castle, which is a canonical text that portrays the protagonist�s frustration, confusion, and inability to relate to the bureaucratic caste society he lives in. The irrationality of secondary characters mimics many of the shortcomings of contemporary societies where the bourgeoisie and the proletariat classes are so detached from one another because of an internalized sense of superiority or inferiority. The Young Adult novel I chose to complement this canonical work is Aldous Huxley�s Brave New World, which actually divides the characters into classes that directly define their role in the world and becomes, through �hypnopaedia,� an internalized and seemingly natural form of identity for the characters. The humanity of the characters in both The Castle and Brave New World is compromised by an overzealous power structure that conditions people into a homogenous mix of ignorance and compliance. Individuality is superseded by the power figures� desire for an obedient and ordered society that facilitates support for a particular political, social, and economical agenda.

By portraying the flawed morality and principles of fictitious worlds, dystopian novels draw parallels that highlight the imperfections that exist in the real world. This annotated bibliography references several novels that ask the reader—particularly the young adult—to consider his existential relevance and identify the role he plays in confronting injustice and improving the world for the betterment of all humanity.

Dystopian Novels

Anderson, M.T. Feed. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2002. Print.

The futuristic environment of this novel portrays the dangers of a world driven by extreme consumerism, blatant advertisement, and subconscious �corporate communication.� The parallels between the world of Feed and today�s globalized culture are evident with the seemingly omnipresent technology in our daily lives, and the concerns raised by Anderson convey a sense of immediacy for a renouncing of technological dependence and fixation. Anderson�s satirical approach to writing about the onset of a reality defined by marketers and business agendas offers an entertaining yet cautionary look at the devolving individuality that is being created by the media and furthered by human complacency and apathy.

Beckett, Bernard. Genesis. 2006. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. Print.

As the title implies, Genesis is a story about the origins of life as well as what it means to be human. Topics such as genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and free will underpin the theme of humanity being compromised by desires for security and the fear of difference. The background of the world of Genesis focuses on the histories of 21^st century wars that have led to the development of The Republic—a tongue-in-cheek reference to Plato�s utopian ideologies—where the residents are safe from the global plague that has beset the post-apocalyptic world, yet still enslaved by fear and class oppression. The idea of being safe is contrasted with the idea of being free, and the themes of Genesis point out the concepts that truly threaten the virtues that separate humanity from animals and machines.

Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Dell-Laurel Leaf, 1993. Print.

The Giver portrays a society that strives to be a utopia by creating homogeny among the people. This �sameness� causes emotionally shallow individuals who have lost all sense of the human elements, even pain and strife. In fact, the elimination of suffering is the key aspect to what the society deems a utopian concept; yet, as the story progresses it is evident that without suffering there can also be no joy, no love, and no free will. Through the protagonist, Jonas, Lowry poses an insightful question: is life better when you�re the same as everyone else, with no worry of failure or pain, or is life more meaningful when you�re free to experience all the ups and downs? This novel is educational for the young adult reader in that it confronts the aspects of life that many wish could be avoided, but which truly define what it means to be human. It is a dystopian novel precisely because it portrays a false utopia that diminishes individuality and limits a fully human experience.

Doctorow, Cory. Little Brother. New York: Tom Doherty Associates, 2008. Print.

This novel depicts the post-9/11 American society that is plagued with fear, suspicion, and government surveillance. The setting for the novel is San Francisco, and the Department of Homeland Security�s efforts to ensure public safety and thwart terrorism has turned the city into a police state. The political subtext of Little Brother encourages the need for more intervention in government agendas in order to ensure that privacy and civil liberties are protected. The teenage protagonist, Marcus, acts as a hero fighting against injustice and oppression, and he reveals the ability as well as the duty of the younger generation to fight against a system that threatens to subvert freedom by espousing fear mongering. The relevance of this novel to contemporary American culture makes it an excellent choice for educating young adults of the impact that one person can have in ensuring the protection of individual rights in such a fearful time in history.

McNaughton, Janet. The Secret Under My Skin. 2000. New York: HarperCollins, 2005.

Print.

In contrast to many other dystopian novels that portray a hyperbolized version of a technology-based world, such as MT Anderson�s Feed, McNaughton describes a futuristic world that condemns technology after the world is essentially destroyed by the pollution from a �technocaust.� The lack of technological dangers, however, creates a different type of world that is equally oppressive and dangerous to democracy, freedom, and individuality. In fact, technology actually becomes the saving grace for the protagonist, Blay Raytee, as she begins reading and interpreting scientific data from the past that assists her in discovering the truth about her world as well as herself. Alls not what it seems in her world, and this theme of discovering truth amidst the lies contrived by a government seeking to retain power through fear and confusion offers insightful advice about making judgments based on personal experience and knowledge rather than propaganda.

Dunkle, Clare B. The Sky Inside. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2008. Print.

Like Janet McNaughton�s The Secret Under My Skin, Dunkle�s novel encourages self-discovery and knowledge as a means of conquering government-induced oppression. The story discusses despotism by portraying a world that is seemingly perfect and utopian only to the extent that it isolates suburban families from the proclaimed dangers of the outside world. The protagonist, Martin, has a genetically-engineered sister who is a commoditized �Wonder Baby,� and because of the unintended level of intelligence of these babies, they are being recalled and destroyed. Martin�s love for his sister turns into a desire to save her from her fate, and what ensues is an attempt to escape the �normal� world of their sheltered existence and find out the truth of the world outside. The reality that Dunkle creates acts as a mirror of the isolated realities we live in while attempting to avoid the fear of the unknown. Her novel encourages the young adult reader to ask questions that may be unpopular, even censored, but which hold the key to better understanding the world at large so that changes can be made to secure a better future for everyone.

Shusterman, Neal. Unwind. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2007. Print.

This novel captures the persistence of three teenagers who are rebelling against the status quo in order to maintain some sense of morality in a world set on harvesting body parts from �unwanted� teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18. The teenage protagonists offer relativity for young adult readers and the plotline encourages speaking out and defending one�s beliefs in the face of oppression. Unwind offers a concise look at the impact of a world run by adults who exploit the younger, weaker, and more admonished generation for their benefit. It asks the reader to consider the implications of what it means to be a teenager in a world where they are given no real rights or independence until their 18^th birthday.

Kafka, Franz. The Castle. 1935. New York: Schocken Books, 1998. Print.

A canonical text that serves as a fundamental look at the individual�s conflict with the nameless, faceless elite that govern societies, Franz Kafka�s The Castle is an extremely well-written and clever text that conveys the injustice and frustration of being excluded from participation or even knowledge of the agendas of authoritative figures. This story of bureaucracy, caste-systems, and abuse of power is depressing at times, as the protagonist, K., never truly succeeds in his pursuit of answers. However, the story can also be quite comical as it becomes more and more evident how ridiculous the society is in its operation. The issues that arise from K.�s attempts to find practicality and relevance in a chaotic system of the powerful and the powerless suggests that the modern world is in danger of becoming a systemized form of procedures, assumptions, and subservience without any questioning of reason or meaning. This novel inspires contempt for living a life that caters to the needs and agendas of unidentifiable authority figures bent on keeping the public submissive and passive through endless paperwork. By pointing out the idiocy of such a mechanized form of existence, Kafka appears to be encouraging less dependence on authority figures for the freedom to carry on with life, and emphasizing the pursuit of passion and happiness without worrying about affirmations from others. This is truly a theme that will resonate with young adult readers who might often feel weighed down by the responsibilities and agendas espoused by their parents, teachers, counselors, and anyone else in a position of authority.

Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. 1932. New York: HarperCollins, 1998. Print.

Huxley�s novel has been used as an archetype for what a dystopian society consists of. The idealized concepts that are aimed at creating a utopian society in Brave New World are ironically the same ideologies that plunge the fictitious setting of The World State into oppression, immorality, and ignorance—notably undesirable aspects. By portraying a world that is monitored, manipulated, and censored, Huxley cautions against the desire for perfection through technology, science, and indoctrination. Though the modern world may not be perfect, attempts to create a perfect society that is ordered by suppression of free will and human nature will only further destroy any hope for a better world. To suggest that governments and science know what is best for humanity is to relinquish personal responsibility and the morality inherent in all of us. Though the novel is controversial for many reasons, including its depictions of sex among minors, Brave New World is an appropriate novel for young adults because it offers important insights into the value of human emotions and moral virtues when attempting to improve the current situation of the world. Sometimes the human element is forgotten when believing that technology and science offer the promise of a better life, but Huxley�s novel reminds us that happiness and satisfaction come from intimate relationships and compassion—elements that are lacking in The World State.

Goodman, Allegra. The Other Side of the Island. New York: Penguin Group, 2008. Print.

Goodman�s novel captures the common desire to fit in with others, and the anxiety of having a family that is seemingly at odds with the norm. The protagonist, Honor Greenspoon, desperately tries to blend in while living in a manufactured world where nature is created and manipulated and such small details like children�s names are strictly regulated by the �Corporation.� Her parents� refusal to conform threatens their lives, and when they disappear, Honor must find the courage to stand up for what is right and rebel against a seemingly impervious system of control. In The Other Side of the Island, Goodman asks the reader to consider what is truly oppressing the individual: Corporate control, or personal fear? This novel is perfect for young adult readers because it encourages the new generation to consider the effects that today�s issues, like global warming, will have on the future. By doing so, Goodman is creating personal awareness that is essential to fostering independent thought.