Science Fiction

Vs
Fantasy
 A Story is a Story!
Both Science Fiction & Fantasy have basic story elements.

Both have characters, settings

problems & solutions
Both have a theme--a message about
life the author is trying to convey.
 Science Fiction vs. Fantasy
The two are very closely related!

In Science Fiction, there needs to be some

possibility that the events could happen.

In contrast, Fantasy, allows the author to use

far-fetched concepts, like unicorns, three-
headed creatures, telekinesis, etc.
 Science Fiction
•  Science Fiction can be seen as a brand of
fantasy. It is more believable because it uses
scientific research as its basis.
• Good science-fiction stories are about
human beings, with a human problem, and a
human solution, but would not have
happened without science content.
 CONFLICT
FANTASY
 CONFLICT– Usually Person vs.
SELF
SCIENCE FICTION
 CONFLICT— Usually Person vs.
SOCIETY
 TONE
SCI FI--- REVEALS AUTHOR’S
ATTITUDE TOWARDS SOCIETY/
Bigger picture/ life

FANTASY- REVEALS AUTHOR’S

ATTITUDE TO HUMANS AND OUR
BEHAVIOR.
Many Sci-Fi authors see their stories
as loose predictions of the future. So
they may use present-day social
concerns as a warning of “things to
come”.
Fantasy authors have no desire to
“warn” readers. They are mainly
interested in entertaining the reader.
 What is Science Fiction?
• Science fiction stories have a plot that
combines science and fiction.
• The story plots are controlled by the
basic laws of nature and science.
• It is closely related to fantasy.
 What is Fantasy?
Fantasy stories use magic & other
supernatural ideas.
Ancient myths, legends, epics &
folktales are included in this genre.
“Worlds” completely different from
our own will be settings.
 Fantasy Examples
Lord of the Rings
Chronicles of Narnia
Sword and the Stone
Anime
Merlin
What else?
 Sci Fi Examples
Matrix, Matrix Reloaded, Matrix Revolutions
New Star Wars Trilogy
Spiderman
Men in Black 1&2
Minority Report
Signs
An early Science Fiction novel was
Frankenstein,written by Mary
Shelley.
She used scientific knowledge to
persuade the reader that her story
plot was possible.
In the early 1800’s, she began the novel
as a challenge. A small group of
vacationers were asked to write ghost
stories. She wrote one of the most
unique and horrifying!
Frankenstein was one of the first novels to
deal with the possibility that mankind will
create scientific advancements, and those
same advancements might be used to harm
mankind!
Mary Shelley did not wish the story to be
considered "supernatural”, so she made the
main character the scientist and his
scientific efforts the focal point for the plot.
 Major Themes in Science Fiction
Utopian societies of the future
Space travel to and from other planets
(i.e.: Star Trek)
Time travel to the past and future
(i.e.: Back to the Future)
Physical changes to man brought about by
scientific/chemical error
(i.e.: The Incredible Hulk, Dr. Jekyll)
 Remember…
Science Fiction grew out of Fantasy.
Science Fiction’s authors preferred to have
a more realistic tone to their works.
So, expect to see some over-lapping of ideas
in the two genres.
Some Sci-Fi stories have a small amount of
fantasy.
 Take a look at the following
two video clips. Use your
notes to determine…
1. Which one is science
fiction?
2. Which one is fantasy?
3. How do you know?
Back to the Future Trailer
The Hobbit Trailer