Distopic Literature
Literature has been a defining part of culture since the beginning of language. The perceived dangers and excesses of modern times have led to the writing of dystopian novels, novels which warn of an unhappy and opressive future as a result of societal flaws. Fahrenheit 451 is considered a DYSTOPIC novel. Many people think that all dystopic novels can be lumped in the science fiction genre. While science fiction is a natural genre for a dystopic story, not all dystopic books are considered science fiction.
Fahrenheit 451 is considered a science fiction novel, but it is further classified as being DYSTOPIC. Other examples of dystopic novels are: Lord of the Flies, 1984, Brave New World, Animal Farm and The Time Machine.
Dystopic literature is the opposite of UTOPIC literature. A utopia can be defined as an ideal or perfect place or state, or any visionary system of political or social perfection. In literature, it refers to a detailed description of a nation or commonwealth which the author proposes as a better way of life than any known to exist. It is from utopia that we can better understand dystopic. They are the antithesis of each other.