Lost In Conformity: Exploring The Erosion Of Identity And Individuality In The Face Of Oppression In Authoritarian Dystopias
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Abstract
Dystopia is a place where everything is disastrously wrong. Dystopian literature embodies recurring elements that construct a vivid and often unsettling description of oppressive societies. Dystopian literature explores fictitious societies or worlds characterised by oppressive governance and dehumanisation. Several works of dystopian literature centre around the concept of totalitarianism, offering readers an opportunity to critique this system and emphasise the significance of individuality and freedom that is suppressed under the rule of totalitarianism. This research paper delves into the convoluted realms of dystopian literature, focusing on the pervasive composition of the loss of identity and individuality in the face of oppressive regimes. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study centres its analysis on Margaret Atwood's seminal work, The Handmaid's Tale, to unravel the profound impacts of authoritarian control on the characters' sense of self.
The investigation extends by examining the plight of women in dystopian settings, illuminating the multifaceted practices in which they grapple with the erasure of their individual identities. Through a careful examination of the characters' experiences, the paper aims to shed light on the nuanced nature of gender-based oppression, presenting how women become symbolic of a broader societal scrabble against totalitarian rule. By investigating the inimical consequences of technological advancements, the study emphasises the erosion of personal freedoms and the subjugation of autonomy that often accompanies the omnipresence of advanced surveillance and control mechanisms.
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