Alexandra Rowland coined the term “hopepunk” as a literary and artistic movement that celebrates the pursuit of positive aims in the face of adversity. It is the opposite of grimdark, a subgenre of fantasy fiction that emphasizes the flaws in human nature. Hopepunk focuses on our capacity for good and advocates for kindness and softness as political acts of rebellion. The term has gained popularity and has been applied to various works of fiction, including classics like Lord of the Rings and contemporary novels like Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Hopepunk offers a counterpoint to cynicism and pessimism, offering hope as a sustaining force in the human condition.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rise of Hopepunk | Shift from grimdark to hope-focused literature | More literature that celebrates positive aims | Desire for a better, kinder world |
| Recognition of Hope’s Ambivalent Nature | Differing interpretations of hope | Understanding of hope’s potential for both good and harm | Complexity of the human condition |
| Hopepunk Philosophy | Emphasis on kindness, softness, and positive change | Stories that balance human suffering with the capacity for good | Political act of demanding a better world |
| Examples of Hopepunk Literature | Inclusion of Lord of the Rings, Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, etc. | Expansion of hopepunk genre in contemporary and classic literature | Exploration of hope in various narratives |
| Psychological Resilience | Lessons in enduring and finding hope in difficult circumstances | Recognition that storms will pass with time | Personal growth and overcoming adversity |
| Optimistic Vision of the Future | Focus on cooperation, empathy, and creating a better world | Excitement and conscious effort in shaping the future | Desire for a positive and promising future |
| Need for Hope | Importance of hope in current crises | Recognition of hope as a necessary element | Desire for a more hopeful and positive outlook |