2. I. Science Fiction Defined
a. Science Fiction (commonly known as Scifi 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. IV. Science Fiction vs. Fantasy
a. Science Fiction and Fantasy stories are both makebelieve 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.
7. 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
8. VI.Where you may have seen SF
a. Space travel to and from other planets
i. Star Wars, Star Trek
b. Time travel to the past and future
i. Back to the Future
c. Psychological/biological changes to man
brought about by scientific changes
i. The Incredible Hulk
d. Supernormal power/talents
i. Superman, Spiderman
9. 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?
10. 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?
