5 of 17

Write now Article Tools

What is science fiction? It's speculative fiction based on current or imagined future technology or science. In pure science fiction, no supernatural agency is allowed-no Greek or Norse gods, no fairies, no witches or goblins. Creatures may appear to be supernatural, but they turn out to be products of engineering, biotechnology, or time and genetic drift. Many enchanting books are not truly science fiction, for example Harry Potter, considered fantasy, and Carrie, which would be considered horror. And some books are considered science fiction that have elements of horror or fantasy.

Real science fiction is often arbitrarily divided into Hard and Soft SF (some fans insist that sci fi is a slighting term, and that the proper nickname is SF or sf). Hard SF often concerns itself with the consequences of developments in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or IT. Examples would be the books Ringworld and Ringworld Engineers, which deal with the physical properties of a created world. Soft SF, on the other hand, may speculate about such topics as economics or sociology. Examples are The Dispossessed, which compares two competing social systems on neighboring planets, and The Left Hand of Darkness, which deals with gender identity on a frozen world. Rainbows End is a wonderful amalgamation of hard and soft sf.

An SF novel can be an adventure story, testing a hero's courage and ingenuity. Glory Road is a great story of this kind. Sometimes there's a war on, against aliens or among the scattered outposts of humanity. Or there may be exploration many leagues under the sea, or a trip to the moon.

Cyberpunk, on the other hand, concerns itself with Information Technology, artificial intelligence, and related sciences. These stories all seem to take place in dark worlds, with picaresque heroes who never go outside, at least in daytime. Examples are Neuromancer and the wonderful Snowcrash.

Time travel is a big category. One example is Kage Baker's series about The Company, in which conscripted heroes fight a time war. Dr. Who explores time too.

Alternate history is SF that explores what the present would be like if the past had been different. The Man in the High Castle is a classic of the type.

Apocalyptic fiction has to do with the end of the world (as we know it), and the consequences. Books of this sub-genre include the satirical Hitchhikers Guide To The Universe, and A Canticle For Leibowitz, a pleasant, positive tale of the apocalypse. A science fiction film on this theme is Waterworld.

I don't imagine that the people who write these books care so much about which sub-genre their output falls into (Or what it is that makes a particular book sf). Fans know what they like, and will search for more of the same. Some will have hair-splitting discussions about what proper science fiction is and does. Some simply will read and enjoy.

Learn more about this author, Janet Grischy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Characteristics of science fiction literature?
We want to hear your view. Write now!