Fantasy vs. Science Fiction vs. Dystopia Whats the difference?
Whats the purpose?
Slide 3
Similarities and Differences There are many similarities and
few differences between the three subgenres. All entail a world
unlike our own- setting is in an altered or unknown location, the
government is usually overbearing, and characters are dealing with
a struggle and the human impact of that struggle. All entail a
world unlike our own- the settings are specific to the subgenre,
characters are different (robot humanoids/ elves/ aliens), and the
stories themselves come from different sources of inspiration (an
authors view on a global issue vs. an author dreaming the
idea.)
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Fantasy- The Original Fantasy dates back thousands of years.
Even the Bible has a brief fantasy story when Jotham, in the book
of Judges, tells a story of trees asking other trees to be their
king. (Judges 9:8-15) Most often, fantasy is a way to escape, but
it is initially about bridging the gaps between experience and
knowledge; it incorporates the element of pretend; fantasy is a
safe way to explore big, wide, and intrepid ideas. Over time,
fantasy helps young readers to deal with emotions or feelings, such
as: failure/ defeat and betrayal/ disappointment. Can lead to a
greater truth or understanding some of the mysteries of life
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Fantasy- The Original cont. Typical fantasy stories involve
totally original, imagination-created settings. The setting
interacts with the characters by way of keeping the characters in a
single location (Crossed by Ally Condie), protecting characters
from evil (Camp Halfblood in Percy Jackson), or by forcing the
character to make decisions based on the characters location
(Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith). This is just a sampling.
Often times there is magic in the stories; this can include
mythical or magical creatures. There will be a hero and antihero
(villain). It is typically the theme of good vs. evil. Often times
a quest, or journey, is involved to solve a problem.
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Science Fiction This is a branch of fiction that deals with the
responses of human beings to changes in science and technology.
Often times, science fiction will explore the areas of artificial
life, gene-splicing, the atomic bomb/ nuclear war, space:
technologies/ explorations, brain-washing, constant surveillance,
etc. Sci-fi explores the upsides and downsides of the science as
well as the human impact (good or bad). It asks the question, If
this goes on, where will it lead? It can suggest possible
futures.
Slide 7
Science Fiction cont. Many sci-fi writers are working
scientists, have advanced degrees in science/ math, or a strong
background in science, technology, and journalism. Many sci-fi
texts crossover into the dystopian world. The setting is typically
futuristic and the humans are controlled by an all-powerful
government. Pieces of literature, like Mary Shelleys Frankenstein
(1815), Michael Crichtons Jurassic Park (1990), and Ray Bradburys
All Summer in a Day (1954) all predicted things that have come to
pass: reanimation of life (defibrillator), genetic engineering
(cloning the sheep Dolly), living in space/ another planet
(International Space Station).
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Dystopia Corruption, Totalitarian Government, Bleak Future!!
These are words associated with the concept of dystopia. Dystopia
means to be in a place where the conditions of life are extremely
bad from deprivation, oppression, or terror. This is the opposite
of utopia which means to be in an ideally perfect place. The
setting is usually in the not-to-far future and is a known location
(District 12, from Hunger Games, is in the Appalachian Mtns.)
However, the setting is altered either due to war, technological
progress, or indirect results such as floods and crop failures
(Alan Moores V for Vendetta 1982 and 1985.)
Slide 9
Dystopia cont. The setting directly influences the character
and the choices he/she makes; time and again the setting creates
subtle conflicts for the main character(s). Frequently, the future
is dreary due to government control. The government can get by with
anything- including rewriting history (George Orwells 1984 (1949)),
brain- conditioning (Aldous Huxleys A Brave New World (1932)), or
nuclear war (Philip K. Dicks Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep
(1968)). The authors of these texts are inspired by real- world
events and are using their writings to comment on social or
political issues. Authors regularly blur the lines of
humanity.
Slide 10
EXIT SLIP!! On a sheet a paper, please put your name, date,
class period, and label the assignment Differences in Genres. Using
your notes, list 5 ideas that you have learned. Using your notes
and your own words, explain 2 similarities and 2 differences of all
the genres. (for example, what is something that all 3 genres have
in common and what is different) GOOD LUCK!! Due As You Leave
Class!!