Is Science Fiction really a genre?

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SUMMARY

Science Fiction (SF) is definitively recognized as a separate genre, characterized by narratives where scientific principles play a crucial role in the plot. Authors like Larry Niven assert that the essence of SF lies in its foundation on established scientific knowledge, distinguishing it from other genres that may merely adopt a science-based setting. Examples include murder mysteries set on the Moon and stories involving teleportation and mathematical demon-slaying. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate about the boundaries of SF, particularly in relation to other genres such as fantasy and romance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the concept of Hard Science Fiction (Hard SF)
  • Familiarity with key authors in the genre, such as Larry Niven
  • Knowledge of sub-genres within Science Fiction, including time travel and space travel
  • Awareness of the distinction between genre fiction and literary fiction
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Hard Science Fiction and its narrative techniques
  • Explore the works of Larry Niven, particularly "Ringworld" and its impact on the genre
  • Investigate the relationship between genre and marketing in literature
  • Examine the spectrum of literary quality in Science Fiction, comparing authors like Philip K. Dick and Stanislaw Lem
USEFUL FOR

Writers, literary critics, and fans of Science Fiction looking to deepen their understanding of the genre's definitions, boundaries, and its relationship with other literary forms.

  • #31
Melbourne Guy said:
Would anyone see this and immediately think, "... I's got ta see that"?

View attachment 290293

Yes. Lot's of people:
1633556146309.png


That's the seller.

I suspect that putting anything computer- or robot-like on the poster would actually narrow the target audience.
 
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  • #32
I can't disagree, @DaveC426913, if you clip out the 'science fiction' words from my comment. Of course, Scarlett J. is definitely a drawcard for a romance movie :biggrin:

And yes, robots would likely turn potential views off. But this was counterpoint to @PeroK's posters, with a movie that is sci-fi but how would you tell that from the poster?

(And hopefully, having raised Scarlett J., we can avoid a discussion about Ghost in the Shell, which though it meets the OP criteria, was another cringeworthy movie.)
 
  • #33
DaveC426913 said:
(There are some subtle aspects of the story that lead me to lean toward categorizing it as science fiction. :wink: )
Hi @DaveC426913:

I recommend that you use Wikipedia to help you regarding genres.

Regards,
Buzz
 
  • #34
Buzz Bloom said:
Hi @DaveC426913:

I recommend that you use Wikipedia to help you regarding genres.

Regards,
Buzz
Er. That link has absolutely nothing to do with genres. I have no idea what makes you think it might help.But it is, ultimately, the original source of the title for Weir's book.

"A Hail Mary pass is a very long forward pass in American football, typically made in desperation, with an exceptionally small chance of achieving a completion. Due to the difficulty of a completion with this pass, it makes reference to the Catholic "Hail Mary" prayer for divine help."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hail_Mary_passWeir's Hail Mary is straight up sci-fi, and that description of a Hail Mary pass is the story of the book in a nutshell.
 
  • #35
Hi @DaveC426913:

I apologize for misunderstanding the intended meaning of the quote I included with my post #33.

Regards,
Buzz
 
  • #36
Buzz Bloom said:
@DaveC426913:

I apologize for misunderstanding the intended meaning of the quote I included with my post #33.

Regards,
Buzz
Oh. My attempt at sarcasm was too subtle. :-p Sorry.
Hail Mary is incontrovertibly science fiction, cover to cover.
 
  • #37
DaveC426913 said:
Oh. My attempt at sarcasm was too subtle. :-p Sorry.
Hail Mary is incontrovertibly science fiction, cover to cover.
I like the plot. All too often in Western fiction the plot is a senseless excuse for explosions, fistfights, and car chases. Evidently the audience careth not. I prefer the Japanese approach, where a preposterous premise is worked out so that all of the characters actions are motivated solidly. Of course that's what they would do in such a situation. My favorite is an anime in which a demigoddess of death falls in love with the hero. Imagine the challenge in rendering this plausible. Her image is used in recruitment posters for the Self Defense Force.
 

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