How the datedness of 1984 affects its dystopian world... or does it?
Some ways current dystopian novels are similar to 1984 is the general definition of what a dystopian world looks like. The world is declining and a greater power (normally the government) is in control over the people. There is a lack of individualism and freedom among the people because the government wants them to all have the same views. For example, in 1984, they all have to hate a certain figure and follow government rules even if it seems wrong. Something that goes along with the government controlling aspect of these novels is the common idea of different castes/districts throughout the dystopia. In 1984 it was the different “parties” and social classes and I know in books like The Hunger Games, there are separate districts that have certain values they have to hold.
One aspect of 1984 that is different from modern day dystopian novels is the lack of technology. Yes, technology is used by the government in 1984 to their advantage for daily surveillance and broadcasting executions for everyone to see, but it is nothing compared to dystopian novels written more recently. Since our technology in the real world has advanced significantly since the time George Orwell wrote 1984, it is easier to depict a technology controlled dystopia versus just a human government run dystopia.
Although 1984 has a lot of similarities with other dystopian novels, I thought it was interesting how we can still obviously see that it was written in an earlier time through how Orwell depicts the dystopia.
Good question. I think an interesting difference is that the protagonists in current dystopias are a lot younger (Winston is middle-aged). This is in part because of course a lot of these books are geared toward the YA audience, but I don't think that's the only reason. There's maybe a sense that young people are inheriting an absolute bloody mess right now and are being forced into situations that could be disempowering.
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