Effects of a Dystopian Society

Stephen Korte 584w Checked for questions 9:29

English 12

11 November 2016

Dystopian Disfunction

While we do not live in a Dystopian Society, we are constantly surrounded by this theme in TV, books, internet, and movies. Although, two distinct themes stand out in Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 and Roth’s novel Divergent. It is in these two futuristic societies that themes like media influencing our minds and conformity to society play major roles.

Throughout Fahrenheit 451 and Divergent, the mass media is used to control the thoughts and actions of the populace. It plays a major role in the text because it is one of the sparks that cause Guy Montag to revamp his world view. One of the most paramount symbols of the effects of mass media is the TV. Using this, the government hands over news and entertainment to society. As they censor all channels, nobody sees anything those in high powers do not want them to see. In Divergent, this denotation is the main reason few people attempt to change the status quo of society. Since no one knows anything else, they are perfectly content to living in a society filled with conformity, censorship, and death. Just as in Fahrenheit 451 mass media is applied and is used in people’s everyday lives. Every time we use the TV, books, internet, etc. we are indeed using mass media. However, Divergent gives us a terrifying glance into a futuristic world in which society is forced to choose a faction or become factionless. This leads to treason as Erudite’s leader, Jeanine, takes over the minds of those in Dauntless in order to seek out and murder those who are Divergent. By using media Erudite and Dauntless leaders scare the public into believing Divergents are dangerous and shouldn't be trusted. For many foreign countries this semblance is used to control people like it is in these novels. For example, in Russia, news stations were found lying to the onlooker about the situation in Ukraine. This is terrifying since it makes the idea of a nation’s government controlling their populace as in, Divergent and Fahrenheit 451, seem not so far-fetched.

Occurring in most dystopian novels such as, Fahrenheit 451 and Divergent, a prominent theme of conformity sticks out like a sore thumb. Examples constantly appear in Divergent as the novel is littered with symbolic codes that reflect the conflict between conformity and individuality. Most apparent representation of conformity is that of the faction system. You must wear certain clothing which restricts people’s individual expression by denying them choice. This dialogue, “We also take the phrase 'faction before blood' very seriously here. Attachment to your family suggests you aren't entirely pleased with your faction, which would be shameful.” enforces the notion