Rereading Dystopia Literature: From E. Zamyatin's We to G. Orwell's 1984

Abstract

This paper tries to reread three masterpieces of Dystopia Literature: E. Zamyatin's We, A. Huxley's Brave New World, and G. Orwell's 1984. First, We is examined as a kind of theoretical manifesto (dialectics of 'freedom and happiness') of this genre. Special attention is paid to the intrigue of Mephi (I-330), D-503's ‘betrayal', peculiarities of 'One State' (Utopia-Dystopia), 'Benefactor,' etc. The third chapter is dedicated to reading Brave New World. The novel shows serious thoughts on how to resolve such three problems as difference (class), sexuality (family egoism), and death. After that is followed the analysis of 1984 as an ideal Dystopia SF novel. This research focuses not only on political system but also on Winston Smith's rebellion and tragic catastrophe. In conclusion, this study hopes to study the 'former' Soviet SF such as the Strugatsky Brothers' novels.