What is the difference in emphasis between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction? Which is The Man in the High Castle?
I think there are many people confuse SF as an abbreviation of science fiction. But, SF is the abbreviation of speculativ
According to Wikipedia (2012, n.d.), “Speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, weird fiction, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature as well as related static, motion, and virtual arts.”
In other words, this quotation mean speculative fiction is an inclusive type of fiction which involves science fiction and presents happening of unreality. Even though speculative fiction definition holds the genres of science fiction, I think speculative fiction is likely to close a superordinate concept to a fantasy or horror genres, and to have no any possibility of reality. The possibilities are limitless in speculative fiction. Therefore, the main difference in emphasis between them is 'relationship with reality'. It is a similar question about how science fiction different from fantasy that I have posted on week 4.
Based on these thoughts, 'The man in the High Castle' is closer to science fiction than speculative fiction. Eric Brown (2001, p.12) said, “The Main in the High Castle grants us an insight into the minds of real. It gives us a what if glimpse of another world, a reality we are invited to compare with our own.” As he mentioned, we can get a chance to visit another world and compare it with our world. So in my opinion is this novel related with a realistic possibilities to break out. Also, even though the history and contents appearing in this novel is very different from the one we knew and beyond our thinking, I am sure this story came from the reality we have experienced and is base on it.
Reference
Brown, E. (2001). Introduction. In Dick, P.K., The Man in the High Castle (p.5-12). London: Penguin.
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Speculative
Good ideas and well described. I just wonder "what if glimpse of another world" is more likely Speculative Fiction not Science Fiction, isn't it? Eric Brown (2001) said that was science fiction thought? I want to make sure of it. Thanks
ReplyDeleteYes. I agree “What if~” question is more likely SF than Sci-fi. But, I think this question can be applied to Sci-fi as well as SF. For example, “What if North Korea took over South Korea after the Korean War?” This question is quite similar to “what if glimpse of another world". Even though we do not live in “Another world”, we would have been in “Another world” if the Allied Forces ended in defeat for the war. So my opinion is this question is enough to be said that The man in high castle is based on reality and this question can be adapted to Science fiction.
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ReplyDeleteThe distinction between science fiction and speculative fiction confused me a tad as well.
ReplyDeleteIs the Man in the High Castle sci-fi or speculative fiction? It's fits the description of both, asking the all important question, "what if?" To settle this argument, Gahr suggests the "alternative history" genre might be a sub-genre of speculative fiction, asking questions about the flow of history and if things had been different. (Gahr, n.d.)
Gahr, E. (n.d.). Types of Speculative Fiction. Retrieved October 22, 2012, from http://www.life123.com/arts-culture/writing-performing/other/types-of-speculative-fiction.shtml
Ben bro, the 'what if' idea of North Korea taking over the South after the War is really creepy. I don't even want to think about that happening. And it's interesting to see the difference between science fic and speculative fic. I didn't know about that..So science fic is a subgenre of SF? In terms of 'Man in the High Castle', it seems to have its plot based mostly on the historical event, World War. I'm wondering then, what elements are that make the novel science fiction? Is it the 'what if' idea??
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