Notes on Science Fiction from Sherryl Vint's Guide

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A Guide for the Perplexed by Sherryl Vint

  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic, London; First published in 2014.
  • ISBNs:
    • HB: 978-1-4411-1874-5
    • PB: 978-1-4411-9460-2
    • ePDF: 978-1-4411-1960-5
    • ePub: 978-1-4411-0281-2

Contents Overview

  1. What is science fiction?
  2. The literature of technologically saturated societies
  3. Cognitive estrangement
  4. The megatext
  5. Speculative fiction
  6. Communities of practice
  7. The literature of ideas
  8. The literature of change
  9. Science fictionality
  • Further readings and bibliography are provided.

Chapter 1: What is Science Fiction?

  • Examples of Science Fiction Narratives:
    • "The Roads Must Roll" by Robert Heinlein: A story involving workers planning a strike related to technology.
    • Star Wars saga: A tale of rebellion against an evil empire featuring a young hero discovering his identity.
    • The Female Man by Joanna Russ: A feminist narrative exploring multiple identities based on different societal structures.
  • Heinlein's Contribution: Celebrates technological advancement while addressing social hierarchies and management rationality.
  • Star Wars Influence: Revolutionized sci-fi cinema by introducing elements like thrilling space battles, destiny, and a mystical force, bordering on fantasy.
Defining Science Fiction
  • Complicated Genre Definition: Science fiction is difficult to define due to its emergence from various literary traditions and the lack of a singular origin.
  • Origins of the Term:
    • The term "science fiction" was popularized by Hugo Gernsback in 1926 in Amazing Stories.
    • Its roots can also be traced to fantastical voyaging, utopian fiction, and scientific romances (e.g., Kepler's Somnium, Shelley's Frankenstein).
Relation to Science and Technology
  • Cultural Reflection: Sci-fi explores the interface between technological achievement and human society, often reflecting anxieties about advancements.
  • Technological Sublime:
    • Describes a sense of awe and terror from technology rather than from nature.
    • The genre depicts human mastery over nature, while also highlighting fears concerning technology's impact.
Genre Characteristics
  • Genre Dynamics: The definition of science fiction is fluid and shaped by cultural and market forces.
  • Community Interaction: Characterized by a dialogue between writers, audiences, and critics, often experienced in pulp magazines where community feedback shaped the genre's development.
Historical Context and Evolution
  • Impact of Industry: The rise of pulp magazines in the early 20th century created a space for feedback and a community of practice around sci-fi.
  • Narrative Structures: Works often juxtapose scientific advances with philosophical and social implications.

Key Contributions of Early Writers

  • Jules Verne: Known for blending scientific accuracy with adventure; focused on exploration and discovery.
  • H.G. Wells: Used science fiction as a platform for social critique and philosophical questioning of human society's structure.
  • Edgar Allan Poe: Demonstrated horror and the sublime in human experiences, laying groundwork for modern horror and detective storytelling.

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Nature of Science Fiction

  • Science fiction should not be viewed as a static genre but as one embracing diverse narratives, reflecting on human society's evolving relationship with science and technology.
  • Each author's approach reveals different themes and societal critiques, indicating the genre's rich narrative potential and cultural significance.