Science fiction uses imagination to explore the unknown
while utopian and dystopian literature uses what is known to create a setting
that is distant from the present but comparable. “Speculative fiction” is based
on current social, economic, political, technological, and environmental trends
that have been extended and exaggerated by the author and may include elements
of science fiction; however, the implementation of science fiction is only
necessary to enhance the purpose of the story, it is not the main focus.
Dystopian fiction changes as society and technology evolves; therefore, with
increased scientific discovery, comes an increase in dystopian fiction addressing
concerns of technology. H.G. Wells was one of the first writers to address the
rise of science and technology; however, the dystopian take on science was not prevalent
until after WWII where the dangerous effects of technology were clearly
displayed. It is important to note that many of these dystopian works address
not the dangers of science but rather the dangers of those who abuse scientific
discovery. These authors force the readers to consider how with the rise of
technology, they can protect society from scientific corruption and failure. With
the evolution of science and technology came the evolution of literature. My
question is what is the next evolution in dystopian fiction? What is the next
big issue that writers will address? How will this affect the audiences of
these works?
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