Introduction to Science Fiction English 2A

What is Science Fiction? Science fiction is a writing style which combines science and fiction. It is constrained by what we presently regard as the basic physical laws of nature. It evolved as a response to fantasy.

Formal Science Fiction Definition A Handbook to Literature defines science fiction as: "A form of fantasy in which scientific facts, assumptions, or hypotheses form the basis, by logical extrapolation, of adventures in the future, on other planets, in other dimensions in time, or under new variants of scientific law."

Robert A. Heinlein, author:  Science fiction is "realistic speculation about possible future events, based solidly on adequate knowledge of the real world, past and present, and on a thorough understanding of the nature and significance of the scientific method"

Sam Moskowitz, fan and biographer:  "Science fiction is a brand of fantasy identifiable by the fact that it eases the 'willing suspension of disbelief' on the part of its readers by utilizing an atmosphere of scientific credibility for its imaginative speculations in physical science, space, time, social science, and philosophy"

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly The first novel in English to deal with the possibility that science will create a monster that can destroy science, and possibly mankind

Frankenstein The novel is a tale of terror, in plot a laboratory experiment gone awry. The fusion of Gothic materials and science in this novel brought the tale of terror clearly into the stream of science fiction and also gave it a more credible base. If not the first science fiction novel, Frankenstein is at least the first novel that showed what a science fiction novel would be (James Gunn).

Remember: Writers take scientific possibilities and develop them step-by-step from known data to form a story.

What is Extrapolation? Extrapolation is when a writer takes a known scientific fact and imagines what might happen if certain events or circumstances evolve. Ie: Man can build space shuttles. Man can travel to faraway planets.

Major Themes in Science Fiction Science and the Supernatural: Usually dominated by natural sciences like physics and astronomy, which often manifested themselves plot devices like spaceships or evolution.

Time One of the most commonly used themes in Science Fiction Most Science Fiction or Fantasy stories take place in another time, either the past or the future. Some authors have their character’s travel through time, either by spaceship, machine, or some other supernatural form of travel

Salvation and Destruction Most science fiction authors express one of two opinions about science and technology: It will either save humanity or destroy it.

Science Fiction Authors Isaac Asimov (1920–1992) I, Robot Ray Bradbury (1920–) The Martian Chronicles Robert Heinlein (1907–1988) Stranger in a Strange Land Aldous Huxley (1894–1963) Brave New World

Authors Continued Jules Verne (1828–1905) Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922–) Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922–) Slaughterhouse Five: or, the Children’s Crusade H. G. Wells (1866–1946) The Time Machine

Why should we study Science Fiction? Entertaining Makes the audience wonder “What If?” Encourages creativity in writing and role-playing Introduces students to a new literary genre Teaches lessons about the value and dangers of advanced technology Enhances imagination

Questions?