Known vs. Unknown

   AS Level Media Studies Final Project

January 13th, 2026, Post 6

The Big Question: Known vs. Unknown:

    This question (Known vs. Unknown) refers to whether or not the citizens within the dystopia should be aware of their oppression and overall terrible treatment. At first this question should be obvious, right? The characters shouldn't be aware of their struggle, as to create immersion. However, with the plot already having the characters worship and venerate their oppressors, them knowing their struggle and place in the state would be rather interesting.

Arguing for the side of knowing:

   If the characters were to know that they were in a dystopian society, it could create a good amount of interesting dynamics and critiques. For example, the relationship between the family and the regime would change dramatically, with the family basically valuing the nations power and control more than their and their friends' wellbeing and happiness. It could spell out how people are 'brainwashed' into valuing dangerous ideals, which is already a key idea within my project.

 

(This is an image of one of the original publishings of Franz Kafka's The Trial. In the book, the main character, Josef K, is aware of the corruption and incompetence of the system, which most other characters within the story are blindly unaware of. This could be a good basis if I were to go down the 'knowing' route.)

Arguing for the side of not knowing: 

   If the characters were not to know about the extremely negative living conditions and wellbeing of themselves and the nation they love so very much, it could also set up for some interesting (and even slightly comedic) ideas. It could show how people are often blinded by admiration, patriotism, and nationalism, which could draw up some very interesting parallels to contemporary society.

So, which side is best:

   While both sides absolutely set up for very interesting and immaculate ideas and conflicts, I am leaning much more on the side of the family knowing about their state of wellbeing. Now, this does not mean that they are completely aware of the injustice going on from within, but they are still knowledgable of the living conditions within their nation. And yet, they will still support it, through thick and thin. After all, 'they' do love us, right?