So I know that a lot of dystopian societies in fiction exist for one of two reasons. Either because the author wants to criticize certain aspect(s) of modern society (Ex: Farenheit 451, Brave New World, Atlas Shrugged etc.) or because the author wants to give the protagonists an opponent to fight against (Ex: Hunger Games, Divergent, Matched etc.).
But what's rarely shown is how the dystopia came about in the first place? How did things end of getting so bad that it make people think that totalitarian society was a good idea? Are there any works of fiction that explore why a dystopia came about in the first place?
by Jyn57
2 Comments
I know of what I think is an excellent *non-fiction* book that explores this topic: *The Twilight of American Culture,* by Morris Berman. Like Chris Hedges in *Death Of The Liberal Class*, he accurately predicted much of what is occurring today.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler takes place as society is in the early stage of unraveling. Written in the 90s. The book starts in 2024.
Anthem by Noah Hawley is another near-future dystopian story. Written during COVID. No dates given, but definitely happens not long after.
I don’t know that either of them ever really get into the *why*, but they do both show *how* dystopias can form.