The theme of cultural preservation is also prominent. The dystopian settings usually pose a threat to indigenous cultures, whether it's through forced assimilation or the destruction of their heritage sites. So, the characters in these novels often fight to keep their culture alive, passing on stories, languages, and traditions to the next generation in the face of a world that seems to be against them.
Another theme is environmental degradation. Given that many indigenous cultures have a deep connection to the land, these novels often show how a dystopian future is related to the destruction of the environment. Like in some stories, the land has been so polluted or damaged that it's unrecognizable, and the indigenous people have to find new ways to survive. This also ties into the theme of survival against all odds. They use their traditional knowledge and skills to navigate through the difficult dystopian situations.
Another theme is environmental degradation. Many sci fi dystopian web novels depict a world where the environment has been so badly damaged that it has led to a breakdown of society. People struggle to find resources and survive in a polluted and barren world.
Well, a major theme is the breakdown of society. This can be seen in 'Snow Crash' where the existing social order has been disrupted. Oppression is another theme. In 'Divergent', different factions oppress each other in a way. And then there's the theme of resistance. In many of these novels, like 'Battle Royale', the characters try to resist the unjust system they are in. Usually, these novels also explore the relationship between technology and humanity. Sometimes technology is used to oppress, as in 'A Clockwork Orange', and other times it's a glimmer of hope for change.
Another theme is the breakdown of society. Things like environmental disasters or a failed social experiment can lead to a dystopian world filled with horror. In 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy, the post - apocalyptic world is full of chaos and danger. People have to fight for survival, and there are some really scary and grotesque elements in the story. Also, the exploration of human nature in extreme situations is often seen. How do people behave when all the rules are gone? Do they become more savage or do they try to hold on to their humanity?
There's also 'Future Home of the Living God' by Louise Erdrich. It presents a dystopian world where evolution seems to be reversing. The story, with its indigenous elements, delves into themes of motherhood, survival, and the changing world.
Another theme is the dehumanization of society. This can happen through technology or strict social hierarchies. Take stories where people are turned into mere cogs in a machine, losing their individuality and emotions.
Indigenous dystopian novels often incorporate elements of traditional stories and beliefs. For example, they might use indigenous creation myths or spiritual concepts. This reflects the importance of these cultural aspects within the indigenous communities. In 'The Marrow Thieves', the idea of dreams and the significance of bone marrow is related to indigenous understandings of the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Another example could be 'Trail of Lightning' by Rebecca Roanhorse. While not strictly a traditional dystopian in the purest sense, it has elements of a post - apocalyptic world where indigenous culture and magic play a significant role in a changed and often dangerous landscape. It shows how indigenous characters navigate this new and difficult world.
One of the best is '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a totalitarian future where Big Brother is always watching. Another great one is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which shows a society controlled by technology and pleasure. And 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury, in which books are burned to suppress knowledge and individuality.
Another theme is the dehumanization of people. For example, in some dystopian 1993 novels, humans are treated like machines or commodities due to technological or social changes. This can be seen in stories where people are assigned specific roles from birth and have no opportunity to pursue their own dreams or desires. The society often values efficiency or order over the well - being of the individual, leading to a situation where people lose their sense of self. Moreover, environmental degradation is also a theme in some cases, where the pursuit of progress has led to a ruined world, and the characters have to deal with the consequences of past actions that have damaged the planet.
One common theme is control. In '1984', it's the government's control over people's thoughts. Another theme is the dehumanization of society. In 'Brave New World', people are treated like products. Also, the loss of freedom is often seen, like in 'Fahrenheit 451' where reading is restricted.