ant detail about Bradbury’s dystopia is that books are illegal. In essence, mankind is stripped of all information and believes whatever the government feeds them. Mankind has become lazy and stupid because of the excesses of technology and lack of “textured information” (Bradbury, 1953). In fact, the people no longer know how to do simple things because some machines have been designed to do everything. Although many of the larger tasks can be performed by machine, many everyday tasks, such as making breakfast and mowing the lawn, are still performed by humans. As soon as toast pops out of the toaster, it is “seized by a spidery metal hand that [drenches] it with melted butter.” (Bradbury, 1953) Although Bradbury inserts various objects to make his world seem futuristic and exotic, he still gives it a touch of realism that allows the reader to identify with it. In doing so, Bradbury gives a warning that modern day society can easily turn into his world of banality. In contrast, Orwell’s dystopia is a far more dilapidated one. The dystopia of Fahrenheit 451 is made pleasant intentionally so that the reader can relate it to his own world. All the houses are in good shape, the roads are clean, and everything is orderly. However, in Orwell’s dystopia, conditions are far worse. 1984 is set in Oceania in a city named London. The reason for the ramshackle state of the city is because Orwell draws most of the setting from the conditions in London around World War II – a time marked by German blitzkriegs and surface-to-surface missile bombings. All the buildings are derelict, and bombs launched by an unknown enemy can be heard exploding in the background. It is ironic that although Winston’s residence is named “Victory Mansions”, it is just as run-down as every other building. The hallways “smell of boiled cabbage and old rag mats.” (Orwell, 1949) Simi...
