Science Fiction Chapter 2

The Pulp Era

1904 Argosy

gets market competition as a second SF pulp magazine emerges

1937 Astounding Science Fiction

John W. Campbell, Jr., becomes editor of Astounding Science Fiction, inaugurating a Golden-Age aesthetic

Hugo Gernsback

Editor of Amazing Stories coined the term scientifiction

Elements of the Pulp Era

—Short stories dominate over novels
• Targets an adolescent male audience
• A naïve tone: good triumphs, emotional responses are simple
• A cartoony emphasis on adventure
• Formulaic plots (or naked premises) without much characterization
• Inelegant exposition
• Embraces lurid and exotic imagery and ideas
• Two extremes: Hard SF and Space Opera

Hard SF

Technology and scientific accuracy, educational in purpose, favored by Gernsback
but, ironically, not dominant until Golden Age; term emerges in 1957

Space Opera

Star Wars, melodramatic, emphasis on war, exuberant scale and sweep of action

Lurid

something that is vividly shocking, sensational, or gruesome, often in a way that provokes interest or excitement

The World of the Red Sun; Clifford Simak

A science fiction novel exploring themes of isolation, the relationship between humanity and nature, and the consequences of technological advancement. Set in a future where Earth faces environmental collapse, it delves into the lives of characters navigating a transformed world, emphasizing the importance of coexistence and understanding. The narrative blends philosophical reflections with imaginative storytelling, characteristic of the author’s unique style.

A Martian Oddyssey; Stanley Weinbaum

This science fiction story, published in 1934, follows an astronaut named Dick Jarvis who crash-lands on Mars. He encounters various alien species, including the intelligent and humorous creature, the "squiggly." The narrative explores themes of friendship, survival, and the nature of intelligence, showcasing Weinbaum's imaginative world-building and pioneering ideas in extraterrestrial life.

The Man who Evolved; Edmond Hamilton

Summary: A tale of transformation where a man undergoes a radical evolution, exploring themes of humanity's future and the impact of change on identity. The protagonist grapples with the consequences of his newfound abilities and the nature of existence itself.

The Conquest of Gola; Leslie Stone

Definition: A science fiction novel set in a distant future where humanity encounters a mysterious alien civilization. The story follows a group of explorers who face moral dilemmas and the complexities of interspecies communication while navigating the challenges of conquest and coexistence. Themes of empathy, understanding, and the consequences of imperialism are explored throughout the narrative.

Key Concepts: Alien encounters, moral dilemmas, interspecies communication, themes of empathy, imperialism.