The Modern State of H.G. Wells

[Pragmatic Progressive]

How would you describe the "Modern State" in H.G. Wells' "The Shape of Things to Come"? Is it a technocracy? Or what ideology does it have?

Is it truly dystopian à la 1984 Oceania, or are there any good sides to it? Is it freer than one thinks?

What is the role of the "Federated Nationalists"? Are they much like modern Da'esh or more FARC?

 

[Mr.J]

I have to admit, I haven't read the book but only seen the movie. I did read "The World Set Free", though, which also has a scientific world-state established and is also by Wells, so I figure it's a similar concept.

I'd say if it's like a literary dystopia, it's a lot more like Brave New World than 1984. And it's free enough that the sculptor can incite a Luddite revolt without being taken away by some secret police or shot out of hand. There are clearly some good sides to it: the standard of living is decent and they did rebuild the world after the multi-decade WWII. It is a bit weird how everyone lives underground though.