Introduction to Science Fiction What is Science Fiction

Introduction to Science Fiction

What is Science Fiction? �A genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about the science and technology of the future. � It evolved as a response to fantasy.

Sci Fi Author’s Definitions Theodore Sturgeon, author: "A good science-fiction story is a story about human beings, with a human problem, and a human solution, which would not have happened at all without its science content. "

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"

History of Science Fiction The Age of Wells and Burroughs (1890 -1930) Herbert George Wells – The Time Machine Edgar Rice Burroughs – A Princess of Mars

History of Science Fiction The first true science fiction novel was Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. �In mood the novel is a tale of terror, in plot a laboratory experiment gone awry.

�Frankenstein was the first novel in English to deal with the possibility that science will create a monster that can destroy science, and possibly mankind. �Mary Shelley did not wish the story to be considered "supernatural. " She made the main character a scientist and his scientific efforts a focal point of the reader's attention.

�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.

Science Fiction vs. Fantasy In Science Fiction, there needs to be some possibility that the events could possibly happen. In Fantasy, the author can use farfetched assumptions. ie; unicorns, three -legged creatures etc.

�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" (Holman).

The same Handbook defines fantasy as "a work which takes place in a nonexistent and unreal world, such as fairyland, or concerns incredible and unreal characters. . . or employs physical and scientific principles not yet discovered or contrary to present experience as in science fiction and utopian fiction" (Holman).

Major Themes in Science Fiction �Space travel to and from other planets or Alternate Universe �Time travel to the past and future

Major Themes in Science Fiction �Supernormal powers/talents

Major Themes in Science Fiction �Psychological/biological changes to man brought about by scientific changes

Major Themes in Science Fiction �Science applied to human relations for constructive or destructive purposes

Major Themes in Science Fiction �Battle with alien life forms

Plot Conventions of Science Fiction Examples of Story Ideas: � The Last Man/Woman on Earth � The Robot � The First Landing Story � Time Travel � The Alternate World � The Lost Civilization

� The Alien Encounter � The Colonization of a New Planet � The End of the World � The Long Spaceship Voyage � The Computer � From the point of view of an alien

Sci Fi in the Movies Today What are some famous science fiction movies in this decade?

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