Monica Villanueva - Blog Post 3

One idea I see present in Moylan's "Preface" that does not function in Divergent is Moylan's view that Dystopian narratives are reactions to tragic events that have happened in the past. He states, "Dystopian narrative is largely the product of the terrors of the twentieth century"(Moylan, xi). When saying this he is arguing that many of the topics discussed in dystopian narratives are because of things that happened in the past. This does not fit in with Roth's novel, Divergent, because it is set in the future and many of the problems that occur do not relate to past problems at all. The narratives that fit into Moylan's definition provide a view for people about past and current problems. While newer novels, like Divergent, provide views for people about future problems and fears. 

If Moylan were to write about 21st century dystopia instead of 20th century he would have to take into consideration discussing issues in the present or future, instead of the past. He would also have to consider what new fears have come into place. People fear less about disease and crime, and more about technology and individual rights being taken away when writing dystopia now.  Moylan would also need to take into consideration the change in audience. In the past dystopia was largely written for adults, but now that has shifted towards teenagers. This causes a change in what dystopias discuss as a whole. Instead of being largely based on political problems many have to do with typical teenage problems, like trying to fit in and fearing being too different.