EXPLORING CRUEL OPTIMISM IN DIGITAL DYSTOPIAN NARRATIVES: A STUDY OF PON’S WANT

Abstract

Speculative fiction has served as a predictive representation of technological developments and totalitarian governance. Dystopian literature addresses modern issue of environment, economic injustice, moral discrepancies of technological progress. This research aims to investigate the portrayal of digital dystopia  in Want by Cindy Pon through the theoretical framework of Lauren Berlant’s concept of “Cruel Optimism”(2011). This study filled the significant gap by focusing on three concepts of Berlant’s “Cruel Optimism”. The objectives of this study are fulfilled by analyzing characteristics of digital dystopia in Pon’s Want by incorporating Berlant’s concepts like “Impasse”, “Slow Death”, and “Lateral Agency”. Using in depth qualitative methodology, this study reveal the treatment of elites through sense of “hope” and “false promise” imposed on lower class.  This research aids in paving lens of critically thinking about dealing with moral, social, and political crisis worldwide. The findings of the study asserts that the novels portrayed digital dystopia by alarming and reclaiming the repressive systems and making reader think about possible measures for bringing change in this digitized world.