by Gemma Wiseman

Created on: February 23, 2008

To a remote observer, the main characteristics of science fiction literature are outer space and a growing complexity of "Get Smart" gadgetry. But somehow, Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" adventure world doesn't quite parallel Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" futuristic world riddled with mind enhancing soma pills or the lyrical beauty of "Dandelion Wine". Somehow, the science fiction worlds of Margaret Atwood with her dystopian worlds and Isaac Asimov's journeys that question the whole evolution of civilization don't quite fit that stereotypical profile.

Critics differ quite radically about what constitutes science fiction literature. Some attempt a definition based on a collection of recognizable motifs- such as time travel and alien worlds. Some base their definitions on the presence of an eclectic range of futuristic gadgetry. Some prefer to base their definitions on the thematic presence of a hypothetical question, related to the possible fate of present worlds- "What if the present world became some utopian/dystopian world?"

Science fiction literature, by the 21st century, has moved far beyond just space and technology. Sub genres suggest a "genetically modified" reality. There is always the sense of "it could be real" in some alternative world in a parallel time frame. Often, that time frame suggests the future; maybe a disturbing future. A vast range of characteristics, (in different weightings and measures), contributes to this "other reality".

However, there are some recurring characteristics in science fiction literature. It is as if writers use some established science fiction features, modify them and/or create some more of their own.

Traditional characteristics include such motifs, themes and questions as:
1. High technology- robots, humanoids, cyborgs, androids, computers; super-intelligent beings; holograms
2. Aliens- terrestrials; shape changers;
3. Animals become humanlike and humans become animals
4. Space travel- to past or future; gateways of time; manipulated history; what is time?
5. Other worlds- parallel or alternative; surrealistic worlds
6. Matter and anti-matter- questions about a black hole in space
7. Cosmic powers embedded in earth minerals or gemstones; energy sources
8. Inter-galactic war of worlds; post holocaust worlds; germ warfare; toxic waste
9. Earth invasion by outer space beings; aliens capture humans and modify/test them
10. Return to the primeval state and new/old belief systems; paradisal oasis in chaos
11. Powers of

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