Faustino contends that the “dark” themes of YA dystopian novels are no different from the themes found in classic YA novels known for their “gritty realism,” such as The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier or The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton. She further explains that the only difference lies within the fantastical elements of dystopian novels like the setting of The Hunger Games. She contends that the main goal of these novels is to understand how to hold onto our individuality, humanity, and connections to others while facing an uncertain future.
I agree with Faustino’s point. I think that, while YA novels that she mentions like Feed or Harry Potter have obviously impossible circumstances (zombies and wizards), the themes explored can be found in YA books with real settings and no fantasy elements. For example, in the Chocolate War, the protagonist struggles with questions of ethics and morals of the leaders in charge of his boarding school. In Harry Potter, the same questions are explored…just with wizards.
I think Faustino’s view relates to The Giver in that the “darkness” of the novel comes less from the Dystopian elements, and more from the human element that raises questions about our future as a group and as individuals. This is the aim and the benefit of all YA novels.
