Dystopian: GCSE English Definition

What does dystopian mean?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, dystopian refers to an imagined world or society which is unfair or frightening. This imagined society — or dystopia — is usually set in the future, and often comes after a terrible or catastrophic event.

Why do writers create dystopias?

Writers create dystopias to explore ideas about human nature or how societies are governed. Often, a writer might create a fictional dystopian future to criticise a controlling, cruel or violent present-day government or leader. Writers may also create dystopias to offer a critique of current attitudes to important issues, such as nuclear war or climate change.

Examples of dystopias

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is an example of a dystopian novel. Written after World War II and during the Cold War, Golding uses his novel to explore the contemporary fear of violence destroying human civilisation.

One of the most famous dystopian novels of all time is George Orwell’s 1984, a novel set in a future world where the government (“The Party”) controls its population through fear, propaganda and surveillance.

Another important example of dystopian fiction is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Although, like 1984, it explores a totalitarian government, Atwood also uses her novel to explore women’s rights and the devastating effects of climate change.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to spot and explore dystopian fiction, or even create your own dystopias in your creative writing with our GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes 

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

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