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Speculative Fiction Where are we headed, and why are we in this handbasket? Speculative Fiction “Science fiction’s main goal is generally not to predict the future, but to extrapolate the present.” -Heather V. Long Speculative Fiction Speculates as to what society may be like in the future Reflects current social, cultural, or political issues Often takes one specific aspect of society and postulates what would happen if that aspect continued or became more prevalent S.F. Must Be set in the future Present a future that has our present as its past Reflect a current attribute of our society Types of S.F. Two Speculative Fiction sub-genres Utopian/Dystopian (post) apocalyptic Two separate genres, but some elements of each overlap “topias” Speculative Fiction explores social and political structures Utopia Dystopia an ideal world S.F. – shows author’s view of how we can achieve the world people want a nightmare world (utopian attempt gone wrong) Choices/trends (often related to technology) have led to a undesirable future False Utopia Bait and switch tactic in which everything seems perfect on the surface, but is actually not Elements of dystopian society A Totalitarian government Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society. Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society. Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance. Citizens have a fear of the outside world. Citizens live in a dehumanized state. The natural world is banished and distrusted. Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality is bad. The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world. (post)Apocalyptic Apocalyptic Dealing with the end of civilization due to a disaster (man-made or environmental) Nuclear war, weather/environment catastrophe, plague Post-apocalyptic Set in a world after an apocalypse May be set immediately after – follow survivors May be set years (10 – 100s) later – new civilization “The Road” is post-apocalyptic At its best At its best, speculative fiction works as social commentary. It offers an appraisal of modern society (either its people, culture, or politics) by speculating as to where we will end up if we continue on our current path. a particular philosophy takes root. everything goes to crap. the latest social or technological fad continues. What it is not S.F. = set in future Set in future ≠ S.F. Space ships, lasers, aliens = may be S.F. Must have human(s) from Earth and reference to past civilization from Earth. The Key Whenever, wherever the story is set, it reflects and comments on current society