Utopian novel

What is it?

Utopia originates from Greek ou(no) - topos(place), which has come to refer to an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect, and consequently, nonexistent. In literature, it is used to portray an idyllic and harmonious future, with an underlying message. In most cases, utopian societies are used as the starting point, as they are depicted to evolve into dystopias. 

The main reason for this consequent evolution is  the “top down” approach of utopias. These societies are structured in the bigger circles of society, and then forced down to the rest. Because of this, the individuals and minorities that do not fit into the utopian structure, are seen as unworthy and unfit, and thus removed from society. As a consequence, utopian societies inevitably evolve into totalitarian dystopias.

Fundamentally, Utopian novels present the author's criticism of the societal conditions and structures of their time. For example, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World satirizes and questions consumerism and mindless obedience to the state, as you can see in the following quotes.

"...most men and women will grow up to love their servitude and will never dream of revolution.”

Why tell these stories?

Although dystopian novels and other forms of fiction are more popular than utopian narratives, they offer examples of how to improve our societies, and explore our behaviour in conditions that are unknown to us, the essential aspects of our existance.

Examples

One of the earliest representations of utopia is presented in The Republic (370-360 bC) by Plato, which revolves around the political and moral aspect of idyllic societies. Additionally, one of the most popular novels in this genre is Brand new world (1932) by Aldous Huxley presents a futuristic, intelligence-based social hierarchy, and delves into the concept of reproductive technology, control and classical conditioning, later developing into a dystopian novel. 

Similarly, although it is not a true utopian novel, The ones who walk away from Omelas (1973)  by Ursula K. Le Guin presents a society with all the major characteristics of a utopia, full of contentment and happiness. However, we later find out, this society can only be perfect at the expense of the suffering of someone else, which transforms it into a dystopia. 

Sources

Freedom of Thought (2018, September 28). Is utopia always dystopia? Is utopia possible?. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n20ZbRJyKPM&ab_channel=FreedominThought

Interesting literature (Visited 2023) 10 of the Best Utopian Books Everyone Should Read. Recovered from: https://interestingliterature.com/2017/03/10-of-the-best-utopian-books-everyone-should-read/

Masterclass (2021) What Is Utopian Literature? Examples of Utopia Fiction. Recovered from: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-utopian-literature 

Vaia (Visited 2023) Utopian fiction. Recovered from: https://www.hellovaia.com/explanations/english-literature/literary-devices/utopian-fiction/ 

Wikipedia (2023, September 10) Utopian and dystopian literature. Recovered from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopian_and_dystopian_fiction 

Author of page:  Laura Catalina Sánchez Flórez