Final answer:
Dystopian novels often feature systemic obstacles to mirror real-life societal and political structures, critiquing issues like oppression and inequality, as seen in works such as George Orwell's 1984 and Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dystopian novels typically have characters face not only personal and external obstacles but also systemic obstacles as a means of exploring and critiquing social and political structures. These challenges are designed to reflect real-life situations, where often the problems individuals face are not solely personal but deeply embedded in the fabric of society. For example, George Orwell's 1984 presents a society where systemic oppression is a significant barrier to the protagonist's freedom and ability to think independently. Similarly, in Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, the protagonist's race is a systemic issue that compounds his personal struggles. Furthermore, these narratives often helped to mirror the problems associated with capitalism, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental crises, illustrating how these societal systems can lead to a plot of decline for individuals and communities. Dystopian novels use these multi-layered conflicts to engage readers in a deeper dialogue about the human capacity to handle adversities and the potential for societal improvement or decline.