| Tamila Davitadze Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Batumi, Georgia [tamila.davitadze@bsu.edu.ge] ORCID ID: 0000-0003-3486-1696 Nana Mazmishvili Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Batumi, Georgia [nana.mazmishvili@bsu.edu.ge] ORCID ID: 0009-0000-3233-2702 | Download https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18078007 |
PSYCHOLOGICAL PORTRAIT OF DYSTOPIAN SOCIETY IN A TOTALITARIAN ENVIRONMENT
Abstract: Dystopian novels represent a hyperbole of evil and violence through the psychological portrait of humanity. Authors, while developing the principle of the supremacy of free choice, literarily mask their message and, through the example of protagonist heroes, demonstrate various methods and means intended to suppress protest. They expose the state where violent means are used to attempt to “correct” people. Often, through antagonists, they also show the relationship and confrontation between the individual and the state. In such cases, a significant place is occupied by the artistic image of the leader, who is one of the leading figures in dystopian novels, such as Mustapha Mond in Huxley’s “Brave New World,” O’Brien in Orwell’s “1984,” Colonel Beatty in Bradbury’s novel “Fahrenheit 451,” and others. In dystopian genre books, authors frequently extrapolate existing problems into the future. This technique enables them to critique various aspects of contemporary society, whether it be totalitarian regimes, control over the individual, ecological catastrophes, or the degradation of social norms. Dystopian fiction compels readers to contemplate the possible consequences of our current actions and choices; to develop critical thinking, social responsibility, and the importance of fighting for a better future. In today’s chaotic world, where numerous states control their citizens through censorship, propaganda, intimidation, or indoctrination, dystopian literature and the study of such issues as dystopian politics, totalitarian government, and anti-intellectualism gain even greater significance and relevance, which we illuminate and highlight in comparative perspective through specific works, emphasizing the innovation that individual authors contributed to the development of the dystopian novel through their creativity.
Keywords: Dystopian novel; totalitarian government; antagonists; protagonist; state.
- Declaration by Authors
- Ethical Approval: Approved
- Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.