Science Fiction

Science Fiction

Definition It is hard to define because it overlaps with fantasy literature. Usually deals with the “What ifs?” Kathryn Cramer states that it “investigates moral, philosophical and technological possibilities” (conknet.com). Uses science or technology

History of Science Fiction Precursors to science fiction can be seen all the way back to the 2nd century with Lucian’s True History. Some of the Arabian Nights stories will fall under Science Fiction. The 19th century saw the true emergence of Science Fiction with Jules Verne’s stories like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Other famous Science Fiction stories include Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

History Continue The 20th century saw such great writers like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. 1966 was the start of Star Trek on TV. The 1970’s saw Star Wars.

Characteristics Technology (may be human made or alien) Antagonist: Can be: New technology Time travel Robots New scientific principles Antagonist: Can be beings or a force Can be societies rules Not necessarily human

Characteristics Continued Can involve new types of social or political systems Setting Alternate locations (another planet, the ocean, dimensions, or time periods) Time periods can include alternate realities. EX: Germany won World War II. Storyline Kathryn Cramer states that it deals with “moral, social, philosophical, technical and intellectual issues and/or questions” (conknet.com).

Two important elements in all Science Fiction Dissociation David Louis Edelman states that, “every science fiction story has some element that is profoundly alien to the reality of its intended audience” (deepgenre.com). Scientific Progress New weapons New medical technology Flying cars

"Dystopias: Definition and Characteristics." Read Write Think. NCTE, n.d. Web. 14 Jan 2014. <http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/ lesson_images/lesson926/DefinitionCharacteristics.pdf>. Mallory, Jeff. "Dystopia." Gordon State. Gordon State. Web. 14 Jan 2014. <http://www.gordonstate.edu/pt_faculty/jmallory/index_files/page0082. htm>. "Utopia." Learning Dreamers and Dissenters. The British Library Board. Web. 14 Jan 2014. <http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/2 1cc/utopia/utopia.html>.