The World of Science Fiction

A newborn zombie has entered into the uninhabitable planet. He has learnt techniques to fly using his missile sticks, and will soon reach the moon. Surrounded by several UFOs, his house looks like a graveyard placed in the center of the beautiful gardens. He has tried to call his  mom many times but didn't get any reply, much to his disappointment. Now he is eating robots to satisfy his hunger in the scorching heat of the sun. But the day is not far when he will die of a drought.

What is this? What is going on there? Science fiction, that's what.

Whether we talk about movies, web series, or novels, science fiction has always been a favourite topic among the makers and writers. Ever since this genre has gained popularity, it is building mental resilience in the people. 

Now I have a question for you. Does science fiction look like an unfamiliar topic to you? Well I guess your answer is no. Most of you must have watched a science fiction movie or a cartoon at least once in your lifetime. But do you know what science fiction is exactly? What are its characteristics? Is science fiction all about science and technology? Don't you know? So let's dig deeper to find answers. Get ready for a trek into the world of science fiction! 

What is Science Fiction?

Science fiction or sci-fi is one of the most innovative genres in literature. It tells about the imaginative prose that often speculates on the nature and direction of human knowledge. Being based on scientific content, it consists of a wide range of plots or themes that deal with scientific advances, usually set in the future. 

Science fiction, as distinct from fantasy, often reflects on the world containing elements of advanced technology, that is completely different from the world of our time and place. 

Whether it is about robots, superheroes, alien invasion, or space travel, science fiction has everything-- you name it.

Now let's have a look at a brief history of Science Fiction.

A brief history of science fiction:

Although it seems like science fiction has flourished within the last century, this genre has its roots in development several hundred years ago. The history of science fiction dates back to time before science fiction started to take shape. From "True history" (2nd century) to "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter" (10th century), "One Thousand and One Nights" to "The City of Brass" (13th century), science fiction novels have been emerging ever since. But until the 17th century, it was loosely applied. It was during the 1800s when a true sci-fi novel "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelly shaped the modern science fiction genre. It completely broke the mold of the traditional sci-fi novels. Later on in the 20th century, publications of several sci-fi novels by authors like H.G. Wells, Hugo Gernsback, and others paved a way for the popularization of the science fiction genre. Many historians believe that the 20th and 21st century is the golden age of science fiction when it came to be considered a true form of the literary genre. 

Now sci-fi has become increasingly popular in different aspects like movies, novels, games, cartoons, and some other sub genres. This genre is still extremely strong today and has a long way to go. 

What are the Characteristics of Science Fiction?

When people hear the term science fiction, they tend to think of space, aliens, and things far beyond our reach with today's technology. Though this is not always the case. Needless to say, this genre uses scientific discoveries or advanced technological developments to a considerable extent. But, it doesn't necessarily involve the aspects of science and technology. Science fiction focuses more on things that are speculated to be possible with the futuristic concepts. Speaking of which, besides technology, a sci-fi novel or movie can also have long addressed events including diseases. 

Some other characters or elements of science fiction are:

• Biological aspects of fiction like alterations of human bodies or enhancing physical capabilities.

• Evolution of life on different planets.

• Development of a time machine, and devices faster than speed of light.

• Changes in the settings of Earth and formation of a parallel universe.

• Expansion of super intelligent robots-driven universe.

Science Fiction Movies and Novels:

With the filmmakers and writers using science fiction to reflect our expectations, aspirations and adventures, superfans of sci-fi movies and novels seem to be increasing.

There are many movies, if not all, based on sci-fi novels or an adaptation of the source material. Such movies are our key to an unknown world or universe. They arise wonder, awe, and hope for alternating mindsets. From classics to hot new releases, dystopian rebels to super intelligent robots, the sci-fi tales tend to get the pulse pounding, and expand the mind of viewers. 

Though there are plethora of sci-fi movies and novels, some of them are listed below:

Sci-fi movies:

• Annihilation by Alex Garland

• War of the Worlds by Steven Spielberg

• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by  Michel Gandry

• Metropolis by Fritz Lang

• The World's End by Edgar Wright

• Dark City by Alex Proyas

Sci-fi novels:

• The Modern Prometheus or Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

• The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

• Earth Abides by George R. Stewart

• The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

• The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Wrap-up

Science fiction provides an insight into what science is capable of. It is a way to predict the future technology. Sci-fi offers a useful way to explore the possible consequences of future variations in science. Undoubtedly, it has a mind blowing spin on reality. Sci-fi is all about ideas, and more precisely, about us-- humans and their existence with advanced technologies. The science fiction genre has already experienced a popularity boom and will continue to grow, and entertain its readers or viewers.

Are you also a sci-fi fan?