Dystopia as a path

Abstract

This work proposes reflections on the possible roles that dystopia may play in the contemporary world and the potential alternatives for the future, avoiding collective resignation or resilience. In the face of it, I approach and analyse the words “dystopia” and “utopia” considering how these two terms have been brought into play in the contemporary context. The analysis is based on the concepts developed by Hilário (2013) regarding the underlying proposal of dystopian works, mainly through the concept of the “fire alarm,” theoretically responsible for preventing future disasters. I also make reflections on the potential harm the abundance of dystopian works can bring to the contemporary imagination. The discussion is influenced by the issue of the climate crisis, a theme that has been increasingly explored in science fiction works, generally from a catastrophic perspective. These themes are guided by literature and imagination: How does one influence the other? Building on the term “cruel pessimism,” introduced by Mitchell (2022), it is possible to draw a parallel between the pessimism and mourning we experience as a society in late capitalism, where it is challenging to envision possible and more humane alternatives for the future, may require a reevaluation of the role of dystopias. It can be argued that, instead of solely warning us about imminent danger, dystopias may also exacerbate our problems. In conclusion, I suggest a new direction for dystopia to foster a different way of looking at the future of humanity within the literature.