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Sci Fi and Frankenstein

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Sci Fi and Frankenstein
Science Fiction Research Paper Whenever science fiction is read, tales of spaceships, lasers, and amazing technology fill the heads of the readers. However, science fiction is one of the most difficult genres to identify. Often times a science fiction novel will be written off as a fantasy or the other way around. Science fiction is one of the most interesting genres of literature, yet so little is known of it. First, what is science fiction and what makes it so difficult to tell apart from the fantasy genre? Second, Many people think that science fiction is relatively new because these past few centuries have been the most scientific of all time… how long has science fiction been around. Lastly, one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written was Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, so what makes Frankenstein a science fiction novel not a fantasy and what makes Frankenstein such a great example of science fiction? These questions seem so simple and yet they are difficult to answer. One truth already, however, is that many people enjoy reading science fiction and the topic of science fiction is exciting for those who like to read it as well as for those who don’t. First, what is science fiction? It is extremely difficult to analyze and explain exactly what the science fiction genre is. Many educated people have completely different views on the genre. For example one science fiction writer, Kathryn Cramer, had this to say about science fiction, “In general, science fiction is considered to be a genre that explores the question ‘what if’?”(Cramer 1). Another writer, Diana Herald, said that, “Science Ruiz 2 fiction deals with scientific topics, space travel, aliens and recognizably Earth-variant worlds or life forms that have not been touched by magic" (Cramer 1) [the quote was actually said by Herald but mentioned in the


Cited: Cramer, Kathryn. "Introduction to Science Fiction Genre." Introduction to Science Fiction. 13 Apr. 2009. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. Franklin, Bruce H. "Science Fiction: The Early History." Rutgers-Newark: The State University of New Jersey. Mar.-Apr. 2007. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. . Goldshlager, Amy. "The SF Site: Science Fiction & Fantasy -- A Genre With Many Faces." The SF Site: The Best in Science Fiction and Fantasy. 27 Dec. 1997. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. . Herald, Diana T. "Beginners ' Guide to Fantasy Fiction." An Introduction to Fantasy Fiction. 19 Oct. 1999. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. Kemp, Robert P. "Galvanism." ChestofBooks.com: Read Books Online for Free. 12 Nov. 2009. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, Dennis Calero, and Michael Burgan. Frankenstein. Minneapolis: Stone Arch, 2008. Print. Throwbridge, Bob. "The Influence of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein on Science Fiction Literature - by Bob Trowbridge - Helium." Helium - Where Knowledge Rules. 12 Aug. 2010. Web. 12 Jan. 2011. Walton, Elisa. "Society, Science Enriched by Science Fiction." America - Engaging the World - America.gov. 11 Aug. 2006. Web. 12 Jan. 2011.
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