Guided Notes

Elements of Dystopian Fiction

7th Grade
ELA
Imagine that you live in a perfect world.
What would be the perfect world for
you? Explain why.

What do you think the title, The Giver,

means?
Look at the picture on the front cover:
-Describe the man.
-What does the expression on his face
indicate?
-What do you think the torn photo
means?
Definition of Dystopia

Definition of Utopia
Think of our current society – What
aspects of Utopia or Dystopia do we
have? Turn to a neighbor and discuss.

During the video, write some ways to 

recognize a dystopia 



Characteristics of Dystopian Society 






Think of societies that are dystopian by
these standards. Turn to your other
neighbor, discuss.
Characteristics of a dystopian hero 





Common Literary Devices  Conflict: __________________________
__________________________________
 Irony:_____________________________
__________________________________
 Foreshadowing: _____________________
___________________________________
 Symbolism:_________________________
___________________________________
 Suspense: ___________________________
___________________________________
 Figurative language: ___________________

Character Development 





Common Elements 






Societal Impact 
 





Write down some things that are 
happening/may happen in today’s 
society to turn our society into a 
dystopia 



We will consider the following
questions during our study of The
Giver.
-What are the characteristics of a
community?
-How do members of the community
affect one another?
-Is belonging to a community a good
thing?
-Should the government restrict
personal freedoms for the good of the
community?

Now that you have learned all about dystopian fiction, answer 1 of 3 questions in your groups.
Write an essay (minimum 5 paragraphs including an introductory and concluding paragraph)
answering the question with evidence (1 paper per table group) Due at the end of the week to
my email.
1. Where is the line between just any societal change, and a societal change that pushes us into
dystopia?
2. What is the more likely outcome for human society, Dystopia, or Utopia?
3. What is the future going to be for us? Dystopia or Utopia?