Final answer:
Readers of dystopian novels need to familiarize themselves with the unique social, political, and environmental settings of the story, understand the critique of the dystopian society, and analyze the themes and author's intentions.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the start of a dystopian story, readers are required to do some special work to understand the new world they are entering. This often involves becoming familiar with the unfamiliar social, political, and environmental conditions that define the dystopian setting. Readers have to piece together information about the world-building, which is not always directly explained but often shown through the characters' interactions and experiences.
It is essential to recognize the story's context, grasp the nuances of the dystopian society, and understand the underlying commentary or criticism that the novel might be conveying. The readers may need to acclimate to the norms and rules of the fictional world, which can be a stark deviation from our reality. Moreover, understanding how the protagonist reflects upon and acts within this world can help the readers to draw parallels between the fictional universe and real-life issues.
Another aspect of engaging with dystopian novels is reading between the lines to discern the author's assumptions about the audience and the message being conveyed. This requires readers to be attentive and thoughtful, analyzing not only the plot but also the themes, symbols, and the author's intention. Hence, the special work involves active participation in the narrative, reconstructing the world in their imagination, and wrestling with the complex ideas and ethical dilemmas presented.