Final answer:
Dystopian novels are generally set in the future and use this setting to critique current social trends by exaggerating them to extremes. The time period affects the language, atmosphere, and social realities within the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dystopian novels are predominantly set in the future, though they can sometimes depict alternative present or future realities. These narratives typically explore themes of political oppression, environmental disaster, or societal collapse to highlight contemporary social concerns. Using a futuristic setting allows authors to exaggerate current trends to dystopian extremes, offering a critical examination of the direction in which society is headed.
The setting of a dystopian novel greatly affects its elements. Language, atmosphere, and social circumstances are molded by the time period, often presenting a degraded version of our current world where freedoms are reduced and technology may be both advanced and oppressive. Literature like George Orwell's '1984' or Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' serve as prime examples where the future setting is critical to the underpinning themes of the narrative.