Introduction to Science Fiction Short Stories by Edgar

Introduction to Science Fiction Short Stories by Edgar Allan Poe

What is Science Fiction? � Science Fiction is a genre of literature that deals with imaginative settings � Sci-Fi also features some type of fantastic element that is based on real or imagined science › Space travel, futuristic technology, paranormal abilities, etc. � One of science fictions primary functions is to explore the consequences of scientific innovation

Science Fiction � Science Fiction developed over time into a genre that discusses mankind and what could potentially destroy it › Social commentary is the hallmark of great science fiction � Science Fiction has many sub-genres as well, because of the broad possibilities of the genre › Time travel, post-apocalyptic, space exploration

The Origins of Science Fiction � The origins of science fiction are murky › Historians and scholars have trouble agreeing exactly what the first science fiction story is › Two authors have legitimate claims to the first science fiction story �Edgar Allan Poe �Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley vs. Allan Poe � American Edgar author Edgar Allan Poe wrote several short stories that are early examples of science fiction that were published in 1841 � Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was published in 1818

Mary Shelley vs. Edgar Allan Poe � The publication dates make clear that Mary Shelley is the first to publish a work of science fiction � The primary argument against this is Shelley’s book leans more toward fantasy in that it is based on folk-tales about a man/priest who builds his own monster and brings it to life

Edgar Allan Poe 1809 -1849 � Attended West Point � › Was dishonorably discharged › Travelled under the name Edgar A. Perry to avoid debt collectors Said to have been an alcoholic � Earned fame by writing poems and short stories � Very few facts exist about Poe’s life due to Rufus Griswold’s biography �

Edgar Allan Poe cont. � Considered the creator of Detective Fiction � Primarily wrote Horror stories � Only wrote one book-length story The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket

Edgar Allan Poe cont. � Themes include › › Death Revenge Supernatural Loss of a beautiful woman

“Some Words with a Mummy” � Poe’s short story “Some Words with a Mummy” is a satire › A satire is a novel, play, poem, or short story in which topical issues, folly, or evil are held up to scorn by means of ridicule and irony › The satire comes from the fact that Poe’s story seems to make a joke about the “Egyptmania” that was gripping the world during the 1840 s

“Some Words with a Mummy” � The story also satirizes technological advancements of the time › Architecture, steam power, astronomy, railroads, and even clothing are jabbed at › Even the name of the mummy, Allamistakeo, suggests humor �The name contains the phrase “all a mistake” � What makes this story science fiction is the use of “modern” electrical equipment to revive the mummy and the discussion of the embalming process

“A Descent into the Maelström” � This story deals with a naturally occurring phenomenon known as a maelstrom › A maelstrom is a storm that occurs at sea that results in a massive whirlpool � The setting features a regularly occurring maelstrom that is easily predictable

“A Descent into the Maelström” � What makes this story science fiction is the description of the maelstrom and the explanation of the physics that allowed the narrator to survive the storm

Unreliable Narrators � Poe tends to write stories that feature a narrator who tells an amazing, unbelievable story › The nature of these stories leads readers to believe that the narrator is simply making it all up › Sometimes the narrator goes to lengths to tell readers their stories are true, or admit that they don’t expect the reader to believe the tale � “A Descent into the Maelström” features such a narrator