novel/film analysis
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SCIENCEFICTIONPpt..pptxSCIENCE FICTION
Genre Studies for English 1b
Dr. Miller
Science Fiction Genre
Science fiction is a subgenre of the epic/adventure genre of films & fiction
As a subgenre of epic/adventure fiction & films, science fiction is a genre of fiction with imaginative content involving the science of the future or of alternate worlds.
Purpose of Sci Fi Films & Novels
1. To explore the consequences of scientific development and technology.
2. To critique government & other social institutions and/or to discuss philosophical ideas like identity, greed, or right and wrong (morality).
Sci fi is fiction creates other worlds to critique this one, writing rationally about alternate worlds or possible futures gone awry. These often serving as cautionary tales about the dangers or consequences of science & technology.
History of Sci Fi on American TV
Gene Rodenberry’s “Star Trek”
1st tv show to address real issues of the day
Characterized as short ‘morality plays’
Presented an optimistic view of the future
Developed as a vehicle of social change
Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone”
Far out & imaginative inner landscapes of the mind
“Lost in Space”
A caricature pandering to current tastes for monsters and family drama that nonetheless made its mark on the genre, if only because it introduces ‘space monsters’ and corny props into sci fi.
Sci Fi Explores or Contains:
Futuristic settings
Futuristic science and technology
Space travel
Parallel universes
Extra terrestrial life
Paranormal abilities
[NO SCIENCE? It’s NOT Sci Fi]
When Is It Science Fiction?
SCI FI SETTINGS
In the future
In an alternate universe
In space
In subterranean earth
In an historical past era that is UNLIKE itself
IF its imaginary elements are potentially rationally possible at some future point in time
IF what happens falls within scientifically established or postulated laws of nature
Related Subgenres Sci Fi Is NOT
FANTASY
Magic, gods, heroes, adventures
More concern with paranormal abilities, terrible monsters
Saving the world from evil – commonly allegorical
HORROR
Cathartic -- primary purpose to frighten its audience
Eerie, frightening settings & atmosphere
Ghosts, monsters
Human evil lurks, threatens, pounces
Interpreting Modern Action/Adventure Films & Fiction
Sci Fi – Specifically concerned with the moral, and/or physical consequences of science and technology, (right & wrong) and what makes us human.
Fantasy – Serves as a moral allegory for good versus evil forces at work in inner (psychological) and outer realms.
Horror – Often read as a metaphor for the larger fears of a society.
