Science Fiction in English Literature II Science Fiction Meaning Notes Explanation II Literary Terms

SCIENCE FICTION

INTRODUCTION:

Science fiction, also known as 'sci-fi', is a new genre of literature which became popular in English literature during the 20^th century. Science Fiction is a kind of novel based on newly developed scientific facts, theories, and principles.

MEANING OF SCIENCE FICTION:

The term “Science Fiction” as a genre of literature was first introduced and explained in detail by Hugo Gernsback in 1928 when he published a book with the same name. The word “Fiction” means “prose literature which describes some imaginative stories”. Hence, Science Fiction means the prose literature which deals with the stories and characters which are placed in scientific and futuristic background. It is mixture of science and fantasy.

Science fiction is usually futuristic and presents alternative ways of life that are made possible by technological change. Science-fiction novels are full of fantasy in which the authors imagine alternative worlds that exist outside the realms of our real world.

ORIGIN & DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE FICTION:

It is believed that Science Fiction already existed even before 1929 when Hugo introduced it as a special genre.

During the period of Romantic Revival (1798-1830), Mary Shelley wrote ‘Frankenstein’ in 1818 which is considered by some critics as the first science fiction of English literature. In this work of art, a scientist, named Frankenstein creates a monster in his laboratory which turns out to be a hideous character for the mankind.

Towards the end of Victorian Age (1830-1900), we come across two important literary men, namely, Jules Verne and H. G. Wells who popularized this genre among the readers. Jules Verne is famous for his novels, ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’ (1863; 1867), ‘From the Earth to the Moon’ (1865), and ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ (1870), These were pioneering works in the genre of science fiction. H. G. Wells also contributed to this field by publishing ‘The Time Machine’ (1895) and ‘The War of the Worlds’ (1897).

The first half of 20^th century is considered as the golden age in the development of Science Fiction.  Aldous Huxley published ‘Brave New World’ in 1932 which earned him much fame as a science fiction writer. The period from 1938 to 1946, was an era during which the science fiction genre gained wide popularity and many classic science fiction stories were published.  John W. Campbell, became an editor and publisher of science fiction magazines, including Astounding Science Fiction.

ELEMENTS OF SCIENCE FICTION:

Just like traditional stories and novels, science fiction too have the elements like plot, character, setting, structure, dialogue etc. But in some matters it differs from the traditional novels of the 19^th century.

1. Setting

Setting means time, place, and social environment. Science-fiction settings include space travel, new galaxies or futuristic times.

2. Character

In traditional prose literature characters were some persons or animals from real life. But in science fiction the characters often include aliens, time travelers and heroic adventurers.

3. Plot

In traditional novels, the plots were weaved in the stories taken from real life and society. But the plot of science fiction usually revolves around technological discoveries, time travel and alien invasions. Here, we find the story of the conflict between two planets, universes or galaxies.

CONCLUSION:

To conclude, we may say that Science Fiction is a genre of literature which deals with the themes of time travel, teleportation, conflict between two universes, alien invasions etc. It is a nice amalgamation of fantasy and science. Such literature is based on scientific theories and principles. Jules Verne, H. G. Wells, Aldous Huxley and others are the most outstanding science fiction writers.

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