"In the Grip of Dreams and the Human Struggle with Techno-Dystopia"

By Dr. Jihan Al-ShandawiliIntroduction to Dystopian Literature and Its SignificanceDystopian literature, a subgenre of science fiction, portrays bleak futuristic visions—essentially the antithesis of Plato's utopia. It often depicts societies governed by oppressive regimes or dominated by invasive technologies, reflecting humanity's fears about the future. These works typically portray a world where authorities control people's destinies and severely restrict their freedoms.Dystopian literature emerged in response to major political and social transformations, such as the rise of totalitarian regimes, world wars, and technological revolutions. Prominent figures like George Orwell in 1984 and Aldous Huxley in Brave New World crafted disturbing visions of the future.This genre’s significance lies in its ability to raise philosophical and ethical questions about human destiny amidst rapid global changes. It urges readers to reflect on contemporary issues by immersing them in speculative, often unsettling, worlds.Among such novels is Sweet Dreams by Ahmed El-Melwany, published by Kotopia. Divided into four parts, each section tells a new dream.The novel begins with a striking premise: the state mandates specific sleeping and waking hours for citizens, splitting the population into two alternating groups. Breaking this rule constitutes a violation.This system serves a dual purpose: reducing resource consumption and maintaining control over individuals via a microchip implanted in the neck.El-Melwany presents a tension between reality and imagination. The title, Sweet Dreams, suggests peace, yet it reveals irony—dreams in this society are tools of control, not expressions of personal freedom. Dreams become part of a strict, terrifying system.“My day passed quietly, uneventful. At the designated time, I lay in bed, waited for the signal from the public radio, turned to my left side as usual, and said to her lifeless body beside me:– Good night, my love.Then the strong voice from the public radio echoed, as it did every night:– Dear citizen, sweet dreams.”At that moment, the delicate metallic chip implanted under my neck's skin activates, putting me instantly into a deep sleep, filled—indeed—with sweet dreams.Akram, the protagonist, has a sleep schedule opposite to that of his wife Hala, creating emotional and psychological torment. His love story is not just romantic but symbolic of the struggle between love and freedom. Akram represents the voice of the oppressed individual in a society where machines dictate human values. Hala, too, is a victim of the system that separates lovers not only physically, but temporally. Their story highlights the emotional suffering caused by technological intrusion.Akram is forced to live apart from Hala in time, despite their deep emotional bond. This adds a painful human dimension to the story, turning love into a perpetual sacrifice under an authoritarian regime.The novel features a coherent narrative and fast-paced rhythm that keeps the reader engaged. Its gradually unfolding world builds suspense, while the first-person narration deepens empathy for the protagonist. However, this intense focus on Akram may overshadow the development of secondary characters.The system of alternating sleep functions as an invisible but omnipresent character. The novel shows how technology can shift from a comfort to a tool of oppression, with the chip symbolizing a disturbing intrusion into personal life.Despite the harsh conditions, love emerges as a form of resistance. Akram and Hala’s relationship demonstrates that human emotion can challenge even the most rigid systems. Yet, this resistance remains tragic, as their love remains constrained and incomplete.The regime is depicted as devoid of humanity, reducing individuals to mere numbers in an economic equation. El-Melwany skillfully combines vivid description with symbolic depth, immersing the reader into a dreamlike world. His prose appears simple on the surface but reveals layers of meaning underneath. The novel blends psychological introspection with social critique, drawing the reader into its harsh reality.The dialogue is natural yet charged with emotion and symbolism. El-Melwany creates a nightmarish atmosphere that captures the psyche of a repressed society. Through imaginative storytelling, he addresses deep human concerns.Sweet Dreams can be seen as a critique of societies seeking total control over individuals. The neck chip symbolizes technological interference in private life, while the time-regulation protocol illustrates how government policies can disrupt human relationships.The novel ends with open questions, likely intended to provoke thought. Its language is rich in imagery, enhancing its surreal tone. El-Melwany’s combination of narrative simplicity and thematic complexity creates a dynamic and engaging literary experience.Sweet Dreams is a thought-provoking novel about the future of societies and technology. It warns against excessive control over individuals and offers a philosophical, artistic perspective on the role of dreams. It’s a notable addition to Arabic dystopian literature and showcases El-Melwany’s talent in tackling complex issues with engaging style.It is not merely a fictional tale but a deep reflection on humanity’s relationship with technology. It questions whether progress leads to empowerment or repression. The novel explores love, control, and freedom—inviting us to consider a future that may not be far off if we lose control of the technology we create. This text stands as both a literary and intellectual milestone in Arab dystopian fiction.