What is Science Fiction?  Generally, it is defined as “stories that tell about the future by blending scientific data and theory with the author’s creative imagination,” (The Language of Literature 27).  This genre is very broad—it includes many very different stories.

Key Elements  Set in the future  Theoretically plausible plots Often predict future technological developments, and even inspire them!  Presents some kind of prediction or warning about the future This is usually considered the theme.

Other Common Elements  Space travel / exploration  Aliens  Monsters often the product of radiation, like Godzilla  Futuristic technology Weapons, computers, and especially ROBOTS! ○ The word “robot” was coined by a SciFi writer illustrated.html

That sounds a lot like Fantasy!  Yes and no: Both involve a lot of imagination! But, no magical or impossible elements are used in SF ○ Fantasy plots can include magic, dragons, unicorns, etc. Fantasy might be considered an escape from reality, with no predictions or warnings, while SF is meant to be a reminder of what is happening in the world today.

“Science fiction is a depiction of the real. Fantasy is a depiction of the unreal.” ~R. Bradbury SF plots can be explained through science ○ The science used usually doesn’t currently exist. Instead, authors predict that it could exist at some point in the future. ○ SF authors are known for often being RIGHT!

 ***SF is rarely written just for fun*** There is usually an underlying theme, or ‘moral,’ that acts as a warning to the reader.  SF writers take things that already exist and imagine what could happen in the future if we stay on the same path. Hint: It’s not usually good.  In this way, SF works as a very effective social commentary The author is trying to tell us how the way we live is going wrong

“Science ran too far ahead of us too quickly, and the people got lost in a mechanical wilderness,” ~R. Bradbury (The Language of Literature 68-69).

Some famous SF authors  George Orwell 1984, Animal Farm  Jules Verne 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days, Journey to the Center of the Earth  H.G.Wells The War of the Worlds  Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451 “The Pedestrian”  Isaac Asimov  Arthur C. Clarke Jules Verne Wikipedia.org