The Hunger Games and a brief history of dystopian literature

There are, of course, dystopian books that blend elements of all of these types. For instance, books like Ender's Game focus on both high-tech futuristic threats and the nature of global politics and military forces, all shown through the eyes of a young protagonist. But the type of dystopian fiction that dominates at a given time can often show how free the author feels to criticize their own government.

Many of these books are viewed as all-time classics, necessary to understanding the world we live in. Others are mocked as little more than genre literature, making up 'ridiculous' rules and structures for their worlds. While people can argue over quality endlessly, dystopian literature is critical to exploring the dangers of the world around us, with personal and global consequences if they go too far.

Must-Read Dystopian Works

• 1984, by George Orwell

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

• The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

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