The self under oppression : a study on the theme of identity in dystopian novels in relation to ‘Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley and ‘Fahrenheit 451’ by Ray Bradbury

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to explore the theme and concept of identity as it is presented in dystopian fiction, particularly in Aldous Huxley’s 'Brave New World' and Ray Bradbury’s 'Fahrenheit 451'. Identity is a widely researched and studied topic in psychology and sociology. In both fields, texts centred around self-identity and social identity have been based on everyday life. Essentially, the aim has been to analyse the way people develop their sense of identity within their social context, and how that self-identity reflects on the society. In order for individuals to establish an authentic sense of self, the community needs to provide a safe space to do so. The lack of freedom of expression in dystopian texts, altars the way people act and present themselves in the presence of others. The fact that the citizens are denied the right to be themselves, results in them conforming to the values of the totalitarian society, or having to suppress their true identity as means of protecting themselves. This study aims to compare theories of identity that are centred around everyday life, to the oppressive, totalitarian societies of dystopian novels. Furthermore, it will also explore the methods of oppression used by the authorities and how they affect the characters in the novels.