The Changing Role of Science Fiction

2347 Words5 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Analysis of science fiction genre

Science fiction means a lot of things to a lot of different people, thus a variety of definitions have arisen to allow for this. Perhaps the most simple of these can be found in the The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, which states that science fiction is "fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals" (652). Most of academia, however, prefers an extended version from Darko Suvin, who says SF is:

A literary genre whose necessary and sufficient conditions are

the presence and interaction of estrangement and cognition, and

whose main formal device is an imaginative framework alternative

to the author's empirical environment (Online 4).

While either of these is a solid idea of what SF is, there are many who, frustrated with society's inability to properly label the genre, have come up with more sarcastic connotations. A good example is this: "Science fiction is a label applied to a publishing category and it's application is subject to the whims of editors and publishers" (Clute and Nichols, Online 4). Even this holds some amount of truth. But, while all of these quotes are sufficient, none are satisfactory. Throughout the centuries, scholars and fans alike have attempted to accurately define science fiction, however no single definition could ever truly exist because the genre has been forced to adapt to keep pace with a swiftly evolving world.

This is more of a problem than it might seem at first because without an agreed-upon definition how can one recognize when the genre of SF began? The answer is, you can't. This date had been argued by scholars for quite some time, but there is one thing that most agree on, science...

... middle of paper ...

...would mean the stagnation of society, and the death of us all. We can only wonder where science fiction will take us in the future; one can only wonder and perhaps. . . dream.

Works Cited

Asimov, Isaac. "The Law of Humanics." Robot Visions. Comp. Isaac Asimov. New York: Penguin Books, 1990. 458-462.

Clute, John. Science Fiction: The Illustrated Encyclopedia. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1995.

Del Rey, Lester. The World of Science Fiction, 1926-1976. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1980.

"If You Like This." Ultimate Science Fiction Web Guide. March 2000. Magic Dragon Multimedia. 8 April 2000 <http://www.magicdragon.com/UltimateSF/thisthat.html>.

Merriam-Webster, Inc. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc, 1994.

Shelley, Mary W. Frankenstein. Philadelphia: Running Press, 1990.

Show More
Related

  • Comparing Zoline's Heat Death of the Universe and Calvino's Cosmicomics

    5023 Words  | 11 Pages

    Suvin, Darko. Metamorphoses of Science Fiction: On the Poetics and History of a Literary Genre . New Haven : Yale University Press, 1979.

    Read More

  • Euthanasia and Frankenstein

    1448 Words  | 3 Pages

    Euthanasia comes from the Greek word that means “good death” (“Euthanasia” Literary). In general, euthanasia refers to causing the death of someone to end their pain and suffering oftentimes in cases of terminal illness. Some people call this “mercy killings.”

    Read More

  • Hamlet's Sanity

    1524 Words  | 4 Pages

    Throughout Shakespeare?s play, Hamlet, the main character, young Hamlet, is faced with the responsibility of attaining vengeance for his father?s murder. He decides to feign madness as part of his plan to gain the opportunity to kill Claudius. As the play progresses, his depiction of a madman becomes increasingly believable, and the characters around him react accordingly. However, through his inner thoughts and the apparent reasons for his actions, it is clear that he is not really mad and is simply an actor simulating insanity in order to fulfill his duty to his father.

    Read More

  • Exponentially Growing Ignorance and Greed

    1145 Words  | 3 Pages

    Kurzweil, Ray. "Reinventing Humanity: the Future of Machine-human Intelligence." The Futurist 1 Mar. 2006. Print.

    Read More

  • Science Fiction And Cyberpunk

    1458 Words  | 3 Pages

    The term Science Fiction carries multiple meanings to people, which has led to various definitions over the years. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition, which states "fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals" (p.652). This provides a clear detail of what science fiction is, there are still many people that have their own beliefs of what science fiction is and feel society fails to properly label genres. A good example of this: "Science fiction is a label applied to a publishing category and its application is subject to the whims of editors and publishers" (Clute, 1995). From centuries old to the present, science fiction fans to educators have tried many ways

    Read More

  • Science Fiction Essay

    2010 Words  | 5 Pages

    Science fiction is a genre, which depicts what life would be like in a world with major scientific and technological developments. When it comes to science fiction, the exploration of future technology is a major element. Many stories and films focus on space, robots, aliens, a mad scientist, and/or artificial intelligence. “The universal themes found in science fiction—themes of freedom and responsibility, power, love, individuality and community, good versus evil, technology run amok, and more—present ample opportunity to explore complex issues and compelling controversies at length and in depth in ways that not only engage the intellect, but involve the emotions and expand the imagination.” The story “Flowers for Algernon,” by Daniel Keyes, is an example of science fiction that examines the impact of artificial intelligence. “The End of the Whole Mess,” by Steven King, is an example of science fiction that focuses on the fall of a mad scientist. The film “Gravity” is an example of a science fiction movie that explores the use of major technological advancement within space. In this paper I will assess the major themes portrayed in “Flowers for Algernon,“ “The End of the Whole Mess,” and the film, “Gravity.” Additionally, I will examine how these models of science fiction teach a major lesson about the imperfections of future scientific and technological advancements on society.

    Read More

  • Hamlet: Feigned vs Unfeigned Madness

    1187 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout the history of English literature, William Shakespeare delved into the mental component of humanity, and the disputed consequences that arise from this human mentality. The most famous revenge tragedy play, Hamlet, is an excellent illustration of Shakespeare’s study of human nature. In Hamlet, the arguable issue of Prince Hamlet’s mental health makes the readers to have two conflicting beliefs: one that shows support for a feigned madness, and the other one that stands up for an unfeigned madness. Madness is defined as an “Extreme anger, excitement, or foolishness.” (“Madness”), and “Ideas or actions that show a lack of good judgment and careful thought.” ("madness"). At the start of the play, Prince Hamlet’s plan is to pretend to be mentally ill, so that he is able to cover up his true intentions to inflict vengeance on his father’s killer. It seems clear from the theater piece that Prince Hamlet has indeed turned to true madness by believing in his own performance in the end.

    Read More

  • psychoanalysis of frankenstein

    1073 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Best Science Fiction of the Twentieth Century. Ed. Orson Scott Card. New York: The Berkley Publishing Group, 2001. 212-217.

    Read More

  • Real Madness And Madness In William Shakespeare's Hamlet

    1204 Words  | 3 Pages

    The quickest take over of madness is exhibited in Hamlet’s love interest, Ophelia. The most important example of madness is shown in Hamlet after his meeting with the Ghost and his plot for revenge upon his uncle. The most unexpected example of madness is in Laertes who in a fit of rage loses all gentleman like qualities and almost upsets the kingdom. All of these characters add up to the idea that to lose someone a person cares about dearly, ultimately ends in losing one’s composure and going mad. If we take away anything from Shakespeare’s play, it should be that each of us should think over our decisions prior to making them to insure we don’t have the same fate as the characters stated

    Read More

  • Issac Asimov's I, Robot

    1302 Words  | 3 Pages

    Asimov’s robots can be described as clumsy, hard-working, cost-efficient, soulless, strong, fast, obedient, human-made, a cleaner better breed, more human than man.

    Read More

  • Giving Way to the Id

    1442 Words  | 3 Pages

    One of the central theme’s throughout Shakespeare’s Hamlet is the question of madness versus sanity. From the first few scenes of the play, one cannot help but question the way that various character’s throughout the play think and behave. In line with Sigmund Freud’s ideas concerning the Id, Ego, and Superego, we see that various characters’ behaviors are clearly defined by these distinct personality structures although not always in the way they are traditionally expected to. Gertrude and Hamlet both find themselves eventually losing control of their lives as they all give way to the Id portion of their personality. It is this downfall that will continually come across as the madness so central and destructive throughout the course of the play.

    Read More

  • Science Fiction: Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Independence Day

    953 Words  | 2 Pages

    The genre of what is called science fiction has been around since The Epic of Gilgamesh (earliest Sumerian text versions BCE ca. 2150-2000). The last 4000 years has evolved science fiction and combined it with all categories of genres comprising action, comedy, horror, drama, and adventure in many different ways. From chest bursting aliens, to robot assassins sent back in time science fiction has successfully captured the imagination of nearly everyone that has been introduced to it. The movies Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Independence Day are both examples of films created with the idea of advanced life existing outside the boarders of our own world. The foundation for each film in view of how extraterrestrial life will affect human affairs, however are very different.

    Read More

  • Sci Fi Essay

    1050 Words  | 3 Pages

    Sci-Fi novels have been around for almost a century. Sci-Fi has the most potential of any genre to capture and explore the imagination of the world we know , or don’t know. Like any other genre Sci-Fi has tried to teach us lessons , or warn us of our arrogant choices as a whole civilization. But like all things, it changes with time. Sci-Fi writers adjust their styles accordingly based on current economic, political, or environmental problems around the world. The language in the writings change as well in an ongoing effort to keep up with the trends of popular culture.

    Read More

  • Industrial Robots and Manufacturing Automation

    3059 Words  | 7 Pages

    Williams, Gray ?Robots and Automation.? The new book of popular science. Grolier Inc., 1996, 186-94.

    Read More

  • Nature vs Nurture: Genes vs Environment

    1279 Words  | 3 Pages

    Leo, J. (2000). Brain Structure Explains Male/Female Differences. Male/female roles: opposing viewpoints (pp. 32-34). San Diego, Calif.: Greenhaven Press.

    Read More

More about The Changing Role of Science Fiction

Open Document