Science FictionVs

Fantasy

A Story is a Story!Both Science Fiction & Fantasy have basic

story elements.

Both have characters, settings problems & solutionsBoth have a theme-a message about life the author is trying to convey.

Science Fiction vs. Fantasy

The two are very closely related (and sometimes a story CAN be

BOTH!)In Science Fiction, there needs to be some possibility that the events could happen.

In contrast, Fantasy, allows the author to use far-fetched concepts, like unicorns, three-headed creatures, telekinesis, etc.

•  Science Fiction can be seen as a form of fantasy. It is more believable because it uses scientific research as its basis.

• Quality science fiction stories are about human beings, with a human problem, and a human solution, but would not have happened without science content.

Science Fiction

Can you think of any examples from what you have read or seen that could fall under one of these two sub-genres?What have you read or

seen that may fall under both?

CONFLICTFANTASYCONFLICT– Usually Person vs. SELF

Such as someone battling a fantastical being

SCIENCE FICTIONCONFLICT— Usually Person vs. SOCIETY

Such as an invasion of aliens

From your previous examples, what were the conflicts?

Fantasy:

Science Fiction:

TONESCI FI- REVEALS AUTHOR’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS SOCIETY/ Bigger picture/ lifeFANTASY- REVEALS AUTHOR’S ATTITUDE TO HUMANS AND OUR BEHAVIOR.

Many Sci-Fi authors see their stories as loose predictions of the future. So, they may use present-day social concerns as a warning of “things to come”.Fantasy authors have no desire to “warn” readers. They are mainly interested in entertaining the reader.

Recap: What is Science

Fiction?•Science fiction stories have a plot that combines science and fiction.

•The story plots are controlled by the basic laws of nature and science.

• It is closely related to fantasy.

Recap:What is Fantasy?

Fantasy stories use magic & other supernatural ideas.Ancient myths, legends, epics & folktales are included in this genre.“Worlds” completely different from our own will be settings.

Fantasy Examples

Lord of the RingsChronicles of NarniaSword and the StoneAnimeMerlinWhat else?

Science Fiction Examples

Matrix TrilogyNew Star Wars TrilogySpidermanMen in Black Minority ReportSigns

FYI: An early Science Fiction novel was Frankenstein,written by Mary Shelley.

She used scientific knowledge to persuade the reader that her story plot was possible.

In the early 1800’s, she began the novel as a challenge. A small group of vacationers were asked to write ghost stories. She wrote one of the most unique and horrifying!

Frankenstein was one of the first novels to deal with the possibility that mankind will create scientific advancements, and those same advancements might be used to harm mankind! Mary Shelley did not wish the story to be considered “supernatural”, so she made the main character the scientist and his scientific efforts the focal point for the plot.

Major Themes in Science Fiction

Utopian societies of the futureSpace travel to and from other planets

(i.e.: Star Trek)Time travel to the past and future

(i.e.: Back to the Future)Physical changes to man brought about by scientific/chemical error(i.e.: The Incredible Hulk, Dr. Jekyll)

Remember…Science Fiction grew out of Fantasy.Science Fiction’s authors preferred to have a more realistic tone to their works.So, expect to see some over-lapping of ideas in the two genres.Some Sci-Fi stories have a small amount of fantasy.

The Tinfoil Key by Rob Burnside 

When young Ian Bradley accidently switches suitcases with an intergalactic space explorer at

a coffee shop, he ends up going on the trip of a lifetime. Now that

he’s left holding the bag, Ian must deliver it to the light scientists on

Gamma Outpost 9 in time, and every life-form in the galaxy is unknowingly depending on the

success of his efforts.

What’s the sub genre? How do you know?

Newton’s Law by Morton Mallon

After a mostly unsuccessful life of studying and practicing the nano-transportation sciences,

Professor Melton stumbles upon a major breakthrough on April 20th, 2042: he discovers a way to transport particles at light-speed across fixed distances, thereby allowing him to teleport

from one location to another. But Professor Melton soon discovers that there is no such thing as a free lunch. He learns that the body ages relative to the

distance travelled, not just the time, in effect causing a teleporting body to age very rapidly. Can

Melton solve this problem before his time is up? 

What’s the sub genre? How do you know?

Fallen Walkers by Wells Taylor DysonFar below the surface of earth, a group of children in

a secret government program are trained to pilot Mech-Walkers: giant mechanical insects that protect

the earth from hostile space barbarians with their robo-insect powers. When Vander, the leader of the

Mech-Walkers, disappears in combat, the Mech-Walkers need to find a new leader. When Seth, a boy from the surface, stumbles into Mech-Walkers while

being chased by bullies, he becomes an unlikely candidate.

What’s the sub genre? How do you know?

A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

When John Carter finds gold in Arizona, he makes enemies with some Apache warriors. While

attempting to escape from these warriors, Carter hides in one of their sacred caves and is mysteriously

transported to Mars. He finds that he has great strength and superhuman agility in this new

environment as a result of its lesser gravity. He soon falls in with a nomadic tribe of Green Martians and thanks to his strength, speed, and fighting skills,

Carter rises to a high position in the tribe. When the Green Martians capture Dejah Thoris, princess of the humanoid Red Martians, Carter can't help but to be taken with her beauty. He will have to make some

tough decisions in the exciting novel. 

Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

The story of a German professor who believes there are volcanic tubes going toward the center of the Earth. He, his

nephew Axel, and their guide Hans climb down a crater and have many wild

adventures, encountering dinosaurs and prehistoric man. They eventually return

to surface again in southern Italy.What’s the sub genre? How do you

know?

Take a look at the following two video

clips. Use your notes to determine…

1. Which one is science fiction?

2. Which one is fantasy? 3. How do you know?

Back to the Future Trailer

The Hobbit Trailer