Focus on a future society in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained by government. These books typically explore themes of totalitarian regimes, environmental disaster, and technological advances as well as individual struggles against the oppressive state structure. Common elements often include oppressive government control, destruction or loss of civil rights, class stratification, and widespread poverty. Dystopian stories often provide vivid images of what life would be like in an oppressive world.