Science Fiction as a genre II

Purpose of science fiction? “Science fiction allows us to understand and experience our past, present, and future in terms of an imagined future.”  Kathryn Cramer, The Ascent of Wonder (1994)

Characteristics Storyline: Speculative fiction Exploring: moral, social, philosophical, technical, intellectual issues and/or questions

Frame Technical details Scientific details Atmosphere Tone

Characters Secondary to action More focus on situations and events Series characters Interior (psychological/philosophical) Exterior (physical)

Telling a Story / Philosophizing Plot Characters Good – Bad Moral questions Optimism Ex: Star Wars, Isaac Asimov Writing style Deep thought Intricate characters Complex / Ambiguous Darker tone Ex: Dick, Clarke, Leguin Cyberpunk Telling a Story / Philosophizing

Cyberpunk Fusion between man and machine Jeff Noon Wurt, William Gibson, Neuromancer The Matrix

Science Fantasy Hybrid form Speculative fiction Both magic and science Psychic powers

Harry Martinson, 1904-1978 Nobel Prize in Literature, 1974

“Aniara”, 1953 Aniara, A Review of Man in Time and Space 103 cantos First 29 cantos previously published as “The Song of Doris and Mima” Cold War 1956 Hungarian Revolution Narrator: the operator of the Mima Metrical, rhymed poems – similarity to the Kalevala

Questions - Aniara 1) Taking your starting point in 79: explain what has happened to earth. 2) Characterize the “I” narrator. 3) Find specific examples of mankind’s urge to survive and live meaningful lives in spite of hopeless prospects. 4) Discuss the function of the Mima and relate it to contemporary life. 5) Taking your starting point in 100, what is the purpose of this epic poem? 6) Discuss the conclusion / ending.