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Science Fiction

Science Fiction. as a genre II. Purpose of science fiction?. “Science fiction allows us to understand and experience our past, present, and future in terms of an imagined future.”  Kathryn Cramer, The Ascent of Wonder (1994). Characteristics. Storyline: Speculative fiction

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Science Fiction

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  1. Science Fiction as a genre II

  2. Purpose of science fiction? • “Science fiction allows us to understand and experience our past, present, and future in terms of an imagined future.”  • Kathryn Cramer, The Ascent of Wonder (1994)

  3. Characteristics • Storyline: • Speculative fiction • Exploring: moral, social, philosophical, technical, intellectual issues and/or questions

  4. Frame • Technical details • Scientific details • Atmosphere • Tone

  5. Characters • Secondary to action • More focus on situations and events • Series characters • Interior (psychological/philosophical) • Exterior (physical)

  6. Plot • Characters • Good – Bad • Moral questions • Optimism • Ex: Star Wars, Isaac Asimov • Writing style • Deep thought • Intricate characters • Complex / Ambiguous • Darker tone • Ex: Dick, Clarke, Leguin • Cyberpunk Telling a Story / Philosophizing

  7. Cyberpunk • Fusion between man and machine • Jeff Noon Wurt, • William Gibson, Neuromancer • The Matrix

  8. Science Fantasy • Hybrid form • Speculative fiction • Both magic and science • Psychic powers

  9. Harry Martinson, 1904-1978 Nobel Prize in Literature, 1974

  10. “Aniara”, 1953 • Aniara, A Review of Man in Time and Space • 103 cantos • First 29 cantos previously published as “The Song of Doris and Mima” • Cold War • 1956 Hungarian Revolution • Narrator: the operator of the Mima • Metrical, rhymed poems – similarity to the Kalevala

  11. Questions - Aniara • 1) Taking your starting point in 79: explain what has happened to earth. • 2) Characterize the “I” narrator. • 3) Find specific examples of mankind’s urge to survive and live meaningful lives in spite of hopeless prospects. • 4) Discuss the function of the Mima and relate it to contemporary life. • 5) Taking your starting point in 100, what is the purpose of this epic poem? • 6) Discuss the conclusion / ending.

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