Dystopian States Of America Apocalyptic Visions And Warnings In Literature And Film

"This volume is a resource for students of all levels who are interested in learning more about apocalyptic and dystopian narratives and the complex ways that they reflect the cultural conflicts, fears, and anxieties of the societies in which they were created and serve to offer critiques and responses to those same phenomena"--.

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Dystopian States of America provides students and researchers with an illuminating resource for understanding the impact and relevance of dystopian and apocalyptic works in contemporary American culture. Through its wide survey of dystopian works in numerous forms and genres, the book encourages readers to connect with these works of fiction and understand how the catastrophically grim or disquieting worlds they portray offer insights into our own current situation. In addition to providing more than 150 encyclopedia articles on a large and representative sample of dystopian/apocalyptic narratives in fiction, film, television, and video games (including popular works that often escape critical inquiry), Dystopian States of America features a suite of critical essays on five themes—war, pandemics, totalitarianism, environmental calamity, and technological overreach—that serve as the foundation for most dystopian worlds of the imagination. These offerings complement one another, enabling readers to explore dystopian conceptions of America and the world from multiple perspectives and vantage points..

Providing an indispensable resource for students and adults, this book serves as an entry point for a conversation on America's favorite pastime, focusing in on generational differences and the evolution of American identity..