ELEMENTS OF THE SCIENCE FICTION GENRE

READING BEYOND REALITY Science fiction is literature that explores the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals.

WHY IS SCI-FI SO POPULAR?

• Similar to fantasy or horror – Science Fiction is SPECULATIVE literature.

• Within these “alien” (unfamiliar) situations, real human concerns can be seen in a new light.

• We are thrilled by the unknown and it is ultimately about us.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENCE FICTION 1. Setting in an alternate world:

Science fiction texts are often set in the future, in space, on a different world, or in a different universe or dimension.

2. Non-human characters:

The extra-terrestrial, mutant, or artificial (manmade) creature:

by focusing on non-human characters, writers explore the limits of being human.

Example: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

DISCUSSDiscuss a favorite sci-fi book or movie:

• How was the world in the book different from our own world?

• What impact does the fictional world have on the characters?

• What do you think the book or movie says about human behavior?

3. EXTRAPOLATION

When a writer takes a known scientific fact and imagines what might happen if certain events take place. Unlike fantasy and horror, SF is rooted in the factual.

Examples:

- Traveling to another planet

- Making a robot

- Constructing a time machine

4. SCI-FI TENDS TO BE ALLEGORICAL:

The best sci-fi works often have a symbolic meaning because they work as a commentary on our own world and our own social and political systems.

Writers transport us to distant worlds only to get us thinking about the way that we live in this world.

Example: George Orwell’s 1984 where Big Brother is always watching.

5. DYSTOPIA/UTOPIA • Utopia and Dystopia is a subgenre of Science Fiction.

• Utopian concepts: perfect society, no laws necessary, no conflict.

• Dystopian concepts: no freedom, justification of violence, imbalance.

• Overall, this element of SF aims to warn contemporary man and comment on our own society.

• Examples: The Hunger Games and The Giver.

RECAP

• Science fiction is based on scientific principles and technology.

• Science fiction may make predictions about life in the future.

• Science fiction often deals with aliens or with life on other worlds.

• Science fiction can comment on important issues in society.