The Dispossessed: An Ambiguous Utopia Literary Elements

utopian and dystopian fiction

a distant futuristic setting on two planets called Anarres and Urras, where Urras most likely represents a futuristic Earth

Third person omniscient

Tone: neutral
Mood: contemplative

Protagonist: a scientist from Anarres called Shevek; Antagonist: Government of Urras which wants to use Shevek's scientific discoveries for power.

In his desire to explore more about the temporal science and bring the worlds together Shevek decides to travel to Urras.

At a Terra embassy on Urras, Shevek is finally able to share his discoveries, his Theory of Simultaneity, with the worlds and travel back home.

The beginning of the novel immediately foreshadows Shevek's visit to Urras. The novel begins where the second storyline (from Shevek's childhood up until that point) ends.

Shevek completely understates the intentions of the society of Urras who greet him with a warm welcome. Soon he realizes that the reason they accepted him there is to take advantage of his scientific ideas.

Allusions to Einstein and Theory of Relativity:
"Even Ainsetain, the originator of the theory, had felt
compelled to give warning that his physics embraced no mode but the physical
and should not be taken as implying the metaphysical, the philosophical, or the
ethical."
p. 228

We have imagery of desert, drought of the surface of Anarres in contrast with the richness of nature on Urras.

"Can true function arise from basic dysfunction?"-p. 100
It is a question Shevek asks himself after he sees that he has no other way for his words to be seen and heard but to make a deal with greedy and profit seeking Sabul. The basic ideas of brotherhood that he has been taught his entire life fall short in this situation.

"Coats, dresses, gowns, robes, trousers, breeches, shirts, blouses, hats, shoes, stockings, scarves,
shawls, vests, capes, umbrellas, clothes to wear while sleeping, while swimming,
while playing games, while at an afternoon party, while at an evening party,
while at a party in the country, while traveling, while at the theater, while riding
horses, gardening, receiving guests, boating, dining, hunting—all different, all in
hundreds of different cuts, styles, colors, textures, materials. Perfumes, clocks,
lamps, statues, cosmetics, candles, pictures, cameras, games, vases, sofas,
kettles, puzzles, pillows, dolls, colanders, hassocks, jewels, carpets, toothpicks..."
p. 110

Settlers-for people who came to make life on Anarres.
Aliens-for people from different worlds.

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