The Dystopian Craze

by Kylie Romano

The Hunger Games and Divergent have recently become some of the most successful book series and movie franchises.  They, along with a multitude of very successful— but not quite as popular—books, have brought dystopian fiction novels to the forefront of popular culture.  What makes these books so appealing to today’s teens?  The simple answer is that prevalent themes in stories of dystopian societies are directly relatable to American teenagers, while the stories themselves have enough action and creativity in their plotlines to remain interesting and exciting to readers. 

            Dystopian fiction tells the story of a corrupt society or government, and often focuses on one main character whose destiny it is to expose and overthrow this power.  This requires the character to have to break the mold of the society they grew up in.  Most stories end in an uprising of sorts against those corrupt ones in power by the protagonist and a relatively small group of followers made up of common people. 

High school students like freshman Hannah Bolster
can't get enough of Veronica Roth's Divergent.
Photo by Abby Gillis

Such a major part of high school is finding out who you are—your strengths, your weaknesses, what interests you.  Most students struggle with the conflict of being themselves while still “fitting in” with those around them.  Main characters that struggle to fit into their own society and is not sure of their role at first is directly relatable.  Characters that are able to find their role and fulfill it encourage readers that they can do the same.

Students in high school can often relate to an underdog as well.  Teachers, coaches, parents, and other adults are here to help and guide students.  However, at times rules feel restrictive.  Not being able to make all of one’s decisions can be frustrating.  This is especially true with older teens, who are close to college or jobs, where they will, for the most part, be responsible for making all of their decisions.  Characters who are not afraid to stand up and defy authority appeal to such students.

Another element that can be found in many dystopian fiction novels is that of love and relationships, whether between the character and their parents, friends, or girl/boyfriend.  Many characters go through major changes in their relationships with others.  This reflects the constantly shifting relationships of those in high school, especially those preparing to leave home.  Teenage readers are able to relate to the shifting feelings of the characters in the novels.

In reality, the popularity of dystopian novels among young readers is not surprising.  Most teens struggle to some degree with having to listen to or follow authority.  Many are unsure of what they want to do or who they wish to be.  Their relationships with those around them are shifting almost constantly.  Confident, rebellious protagonists with similar insecurities and feelings appeal to a wide variety of readers, but especially to teenage readers.