Science Fiction Vs Fantasy

A Story is a Story! Both Science Fiction & Fantasy have basic story elements. Both have characters, settings problems & solutions Both have a theme--a message about life the author is trying to convey.

Science Fiction vs. Fantasy The two are very closely related! 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  Science Fiction can be seen as a brand of fantasy. It is more believable because it uses scientific research as its basis. Good science-fiction stories are about human beings, with a human problem, and a human solution, but would not have happened without science content.

CONFLICT FANTASY SCIENCE FICTION CONFLICT– Usually Person vs. SELF CONFLICT— Usually Person vs. SOCIETY

TONE SCI FI--- REVEALS AUTHOR’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS SOCIETY/ Bigger picture/ life FANTASY- 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.

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.

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 Rings Chronicles of Narnia Sword and the Stone Anime Merlin What else?

Sci Fi Examples Matrix, Matrix Reloaded, Matrix Revolutions New Star Wars Trilogy Spiderman Men in Black 1&2 Minority Report Signs

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 future Space 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.

Take a look at the following two video clips 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