The dystopian novel

 The dystopian novels are those which present a future dehumanized, frightening and controlled or anarchist society, these type of novels reflect social anxieties, radical and dictatorial political climates and human nature. The origins can be traced back(se remonta) by utopian literature which is the opposite because presents ideal societies, one of the earliest examples was "Utopia" by Thomas More in Renaissance England which describes an imaginary society in an island. Also the origins are in satirical novels such as "Gulliver´s Travels" 1726 by Jonathan Swift which highlights the absurdities and flaws (defectos) of contemporary civilization. Another origin is the rapid development of the Industrial Revolution which brought significant social changes and many people became aware (llegó a ser consciente) of the potential negatives of progress. It also served as a social and political critique of contemporary political systems such as communism or capitalism especially of the injustices and oppression or manipulation in them.

During the nineteenth century:it has influences from the growth(crecimiento) of industrial cities, political revolutions, scientific advances and philosophical influences from movements such as Utilitarianism and Naturalism. These ideologies explored themes of individualism against collectivism, reason against emotion and the consequences of a purely rational society.The most important novels were "The Time Machine" 1894 by H.G. Wells. He presents a society in the future divided into two classes, the Eloi who live in the surface and have free time and wealth  and the low class and the Morlocks, who live working underground as laboreres. Wells critiques the stratification of society and raises questions about human evolution, "Looking Backward" 1888 by Edward Bellamy, he imagines America in 2000 where society has transformed into a socialist utopia due to technological advancements and serves as a critique of inequealities in society."The War of the Worlds", 1895 , "The Island of Doctor Moureau" 1896 and "Anticipations" 1901 by H. G. Wells in the "Island..." novel the author examines themes related to ethics in science and experimentation where a scientist creates hybrid creatures through vivisection. And in the last novel Wells speculates about future social changes due to technology, politics, social organization and the dangers of unchecked scientifica progress.

During the early twentieth century: "The Iron Heel" published in 1912 by Jack London, "A Brave New World" 1932 by Aldous Huxley, this novel explores technologically advanced society that sacrifices individuality for stability and happiness, "Animal Farm" 1945 a satirical allegorical novella written as an animal fable and "1984",  in which presents a totalitarian sociopolitical system based on surveillance, socialism and the manipulation of truth both written by George Orwell. During the Cold War Era (the 50s and 60s):"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury published in 1953, "The Lord of the Flies" published in 1954 by William Golding, "The Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess in 1962, "Dune" by Frank Herbert, published in 1965, "Slaughterhouse Five"in 1969 by Kurt Vonnegut.

Dystopian novels in the postmodern literature (from the seventies onwards 1970s till present day): "Blade Runner. Do androids dream of electric sheep?"1968 by Philip K. Dick, "The Handmaid´s Tale" by Margaret Atwood, 1985. This novel is set in a theocratic society where women are stripped of their rights and forced into reproductive servitude. Through the eyes of Offred, we see the impact of extreme religious fundamentalism on personal freedom,"The Road" published in 2006 by Cormac MacCarthy, "Station Eleven" 2014 by Canadian writer Emily St. John Mandel, "The Silence" by Don De Lillo, published in 2020, "The Hunger Games Trilogy" by Suzanne Collins and "Fearless" (Powerless saga) by Lauren Roberts, published in 2025. There are many popular dystopian novels adapted into movies which also had great success especially those published in the twentieth century.