The Perfect Blueprint For A Dystopian Society

2752 Words12 Pages

Nimdula Perera
Mr. Capotosto
ENG4U1.70
March 27th, 2023
Why “The Perfect Match” is The Perfect Blueprint for Dystopian Literature
Dystopian literature has been one of the most popular genres of literature ever conceived. It displays a morally corrupt and distraught world in the future, controlled by some kind of force, as the hero of the story must realize the errors within the society and overcome them. This fascinating type of literature has gone through many incarnations through centuries, but still displaying the same fundamental characteristics that define this great genre. These same characteristics can be seen in the infamous short story, “The Perfect Match”, by Ken Liu. In “The Perfect Match”, Ken Liu demonstrates how types of control …show more content…

The dystopian hero archetype is another important factor for a dystopian literature, and Ken Liu communicates this perfectly, as Sai follows the classic dystopian hero arc of supporting, then rebelling against society. Finally, Ken Liu illustrates society using the key characteristics of a dystopian world, such as propaganda, over surveillance and worshiped figureheads. By doing this, “The Perfect Match” displays the very basis of how to create good dystopian story telling, making it a great blueprint for any dystopian stories/writers to follow.
Control is a main aspect of dystopian literature. Ken Liu understands this, as he displays both technological and corporate control, and how to combine them effectively, showing a great example on how to write a dystopian story. Tilly, a virtual assistant created by Centillion, is the textbook example of technological control, in which any matter of technology, mainly AI, controls and manipulates the people. A prime example of her controlling nature can be seen when Jenny is arguing with Sai about whether Tilly is problematic or not. Jenny tries to warn Sai on how Tilly is using and manipulating him, saying “‘Tilly doesn’t just tell you what …show more content…

They all are important factors on whether the story works as a dystopia. Ken Liu shows how to make sure each element is fulfilled to its fullest potential. “The Perfect Match” displays a model example of a dystopian society, using propaganda, over surveillance and figureheads to create a perfect setting and atmosphere. Ken Liu also writes Sai to fulfill the classic “dystopian hero” archetype, from embracing to rebelling society in a meaningful and impactful way. Finally, Ken Liu uses multiple types of control and combines them, creating a scary and dreadful society. Ken Liu’s “The Perfect Match” should be a blueprint for any dystopian writers to follow. It shows the basics of dystopian writing, while displaying it in an interesting and special way. “The Perfect Match” is a perfect and must read piece of fiction for any future writers who aspire to create any dystopian