The Structure of Hope: Rhetoric and Dystopian Fiction

After much discussion about my life and plans, Professor Goodhart and I have somewhat finalized my dissertation. Here it is:

I. Introduction: Why dystopian fiction? Cataloguing use in high schools,

current studies and what they're missing.

II. The "Topic" tradition--Dystopia, Utopia, and classical rhetoric. Deliberative rhetoric through Pamela.

III. Genre as social action: Dystopia as diff from Utopia--against Rabkin and Jameson, vis a vis pomo, connections to the history of the novel

IV. Burke’s Lexicon Rhetoricae and dystopian fiction (in all media)--fulfillment of desire, desire for the end, the “last man on earth” syndrome. BSG, the apocalyptic tradition, Terminator, Zombie Movies

V. "Postmodern" dystopias--LeGuin, Oryx and Crake, cyberpunk. What is ethical response?

Yes, is beautiful.