Elements of Science Fiction

Presented: October 2013

I. Science Fiction Defined

a. Science Fiction (commonly known as Sci-fi or SF) is a sub-genre of fiction and is difficult to define because it is similar to the fantasy genre and has changed a lot over the years.

b. Definition: SF is a genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about science and technology of the future.

II. Elements of Science Fiction

a. Setting: i. SF texts are often set in the future, the extended past, in space, on a different world, or in a different universe or dimension.

b. Plot: (events in the story—chronological order)i. The plot creates situations different from those of both the present day and the past.

ii. Science fiction texts also include humans, and explain what effect new discoveries and scientific developments will have on us in the future.

Elements of Science Fiction –cont.-

i. Conflict: (2 types) 1.People & their problems (human element)

a. Example: The evil scientist who tries to rule the world by contaminating the drinking water with a chemical potion.

2. Machines & the problems they can cause (technology element)

a. Example: A good robot gone bad. (Frankenstein)

b. Example: Computers who try to rule the world.

III. Extrapolation

a. When a writer takes a known scientific fact and imagines what might happen if certain events or circumstances take place.

i. Building a space shuttle

ii. Making a robot

iii. Constructing a time machine

IV. Science Fiction vs. Fantasy

a. Science Fiction and Fantasy stories are both make-believe tales, however,…

i. fantasies are stories that involve beings and events that do not exist in real life.

ii. fantasy has no rules—anything is possible!

iii. fantasy stories may or may not start realistically, but they always evolve into tales that could never really happen.

iv. SF literature focuses on real or imagined developments in science or technology and later contains elements of fantasy.

v. SF takes real science ideas and advances them so far into the future that they become fantasy.

V. Science Fiction literature may include:

a. scientific discoveries or developments

b. environmental changes

c. space travel

d. life on other planets

e. mutants

f. robots

VI.Where you may have seen SF

a. Space travel to and from other planetsi. Star Wars, Star Trek

b. Time travel to the past and futurei. Back to the Future

c. Psychological/biological changes to man brought about by scientific changes

i. The Incredible Hulk

d. Supernormal power/talentsi. Superman, Spiderman

VII. Let’s Review!

• What is the definition of SF?

• What are the two types of conflicts in SF stories?

• What does it mean to extrapolate?

• What is the difference between SF and Fantasy?