Studies in Literature and Language
Postmodern Humanism in English Dystopian Novels: From Animal Farm to Fahrenheit 451
Abstract
The “Dystopian” works in 20th century bear the subversion, questioning and criticism of the traditional utopian literature. Dystopian writers express their concerns and warnings about the living status of the human society through creating of dystopian works, and with one accord places the hope of human civilization on postmodern humanism which emphasizes the nature, mission, value, and individual development of mankind. Confronted with intricate social problems, postmodern humanism is the spiritual impetus to promote human progress, reflection, and self-improvement. This article focuses on two dystopian masterpieces—George Orwell’s Animal Farm and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 to explore the postmodern humanistic themes and connotations implied in the two novels, and to disclose the postmodern humanism presentations under oppression and exploitation concealed in the totalitarian society. This article is intended to provide a new dimension for interpreting dystopian novels, which is conducive to further explore and study the humanistic significances and values of dystopian works.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3968/11460
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