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Speculative fiction

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vampire, face of little green man, feather pen (quill) and fire-breathing dragon – to the right of that are scripted words "Speculative (over) Fiction"
Speculative fiction
Alternate history
Fantasy fiction
Science fiction
Horror fiction
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Speculative fictionis anumbrella genreoffictionthat encompasses all thesubgenresthat depart fromrealism,or strictly imitating everyday reality,[1]instead presenting fantastical,supernatural,futuristic,or other imaginative realms.[2]This catch-all genre includes, but is not limited to,science fiction,fantasy,horror,slipstream,magical realism,[3]superhero fiction,alternate history,utopia and dystopia,fairy tales,steampunk,cyberpunk,weird fiction,and someapocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction.The term has been used for works of literature, film, television, drama,video games,radio, and their hybrids.[1]

Distinguishing science fiction from other speculative fiction[edit]

"Speculative fiction" is sometimes abbreviated "spec-fic", "spec fic", "specfic",[4]"S-F", "SF", or "sf".[5][6]The last three abbreviations, however, are ambiguous as they have long been used to refer toscience fiction(which lies within this general range of literature).[7]

The term has been used by some critics and writers dissatisfied with what they consider to be a limitation of science fiction: the need for the story to hold to scientific principles. They argue that "speculative fiction" better defines an expanded, open, imaginative type of fiction than does "genre fiction", and the categories of "fantasy", "mystery", "horror" and "science fiction".[8]Harlan Ellisonused the term to avoid beingpigeonholedas a science fiction writer. Ellison, a fervent proponent of writers embracing moreliteraryandmodernistdirections,[9][10]broke out ofgenreconventions to push the boundaries of speculative fiction.

The term "suppositional fiction" is sometimes used as a sub-category designating fiction in which characters and stories are constrained by an internally consistent world, but not necessarily one defined by any particular genre.[11][12][13]

History[edit]

Statue of Euripides in front of titles of his works
Euripides

Speculative fiction as a category ranges from ancient works toparadigm-changingand neotraditional works of the 21st century.[14][15]Characteristics of speculative fiction have been recognized in older works whose authors'intentions,or in thesocial contextsof the stories they portray, are now known. For example, the ancientGreekdramatist,Euripides,(c. 480– c. 406 BCE) whose playMedeaseems to have offendedAthenianaudiences when he speculated that the titular shamanessMedeakilled her own children, as opposed to their being killed by otherCorinthiansafter her departure.[16]Additionally, Euripides' play,Hippolytus,narratively introduced byAphrodite,Goddess of Love in person, is suspected to have displeased his contemporary audiences, as his portrayal ofPhaedrawas seen as toolusty.[17]

Inhistoriography,what is now called "speculative fiction" has previously been termed "historical invention",[18]"historical fiction", and other similar names. These terms have been extensively noted inliterary criticismof the works ofWilliam Shakespeare,[19]such as when he co-locatesAthenianDukeTheseus,AmazonianQueenHippolyta,English fairyPuck,andRomangodCupidacross time and space in theFairylandof the fictionalMerovingianGermanicsovereignOberon,inA Midsummer Night's Dream.[20]

Inmythographythe concept of speculative fiction has been termed "mythopoesis", ormythopoeia.This practice involves the creative design and generation of lore and mythology for works of fiction. The term's definition comes from its use byJ. R. R. Tolkien,whose novel,The Lord of the Rings,[21]demonstrates a clear application of this process. Themes common in mythopoeia, such as thesupernatural,alternate historyandsexuality,continue to be explored in works produced within the modern speculative fiction genre.[22]

The creation of speculative fiction in its general sense of hypothetical history,explanation,orahistoricalstorytelling,has also been attributed to authors in ostensibly non-fiction modes since as early asHerodotusofHalicarnassus(fl. 5th century BCE), for hisHistories,[23][24][25]and was already both practiced and edited out by early encyclopedic writers likeSima Qian(c. 145or 135 BCE–86 BCE), author ofShiji.[26][27]

These examples highlight thecaveatthat many works, now regarded as intentional or unintentional speculative fiction, long predated the coining of the genre term; its concept, in its broadest sense, captures both aconsciousandunconsciousaspect of humanpsychologyin making sense of the world, and responds to it by creatingimaginative,inventive,andartisticexpressions. Such expressions can contribute to practical societal progress throughinterpersonalinfluences,socialandcultural movements,scientificresearch and advances, and thephilosophy of science.[28][29][30]

Robert Heinlein

In itsEnglish-languageusage in arts and literature since the mid 20th century, "speculative fiction" as a genre term has often been attributed toRobert A. Heinlein,who first used the term in an editorial inThe Saturday Evening Post,8 February 1947. In the article, Heinlein used "Speculative Fiction" as a synonym for "science fiction"; in a later piece, he explicitly stated that his use of the term did not include fantasy. However, though Heinlein may have come up with the term on his own, there are earlier citations: a piece inLippincott's Monthly Magazinein 1889 used the term in reference toEdward Bellamy'sLooking Backward:2000–1887and other works; and one in the May 1900 issue ofThe Bookmansaid thatJohn Uri Lloyd'sEtidorhpa,The End of the Earthhad "created a great deal of discussion among people interested in speculative fiction".[31]A variation on this term is "speculative literature".[32]

The use of "speculative fiction" in the sense of expressing dissatisfaction with traditional orestablishmentscience fiction was popularized in the 1960s and early 1970s byJudith Merril,as well as other writers and editors in connection with theNew Wavemovement. However, this use of the term fell into disuse around the mid-1970s.[33]

In the 2000s, the term came into wider use as a convenient collective term for a set of genres. However, some writers, such asMargaret Atwood,who wroteThe Handmaid's Tale,which is afeministpiece of speculative fiction, continue to distinguish "speculative fiction" specifically as a "noMartians"type of science fiction," about things that really could happen. "[34]

Speculative fiction is also used as a genre term that combines different ones into a singlenarrativeorfictional worldsuch as "science fiction, horror, fantasy...[and]...mystery".[35]

TheInternet Speculative Fiction Databasecontains a broad list of different subtypes.

According to publisher statistics, men outnumber women about two to one among English-language speculative fiction writers aiming for professional publication. However, the percentages vary considerably by genre, with women outnumbering men in the fields ofurban fantasy,paranormal romanceandyoung adult fiction.[36]

Academic journalswhich publish essays on speculative fiction includeExtrapolationandFoundation.[37]

Genres[edit]

Speculative fiction may include elements from one or more of the following genres:

Subgenres of speculative fiction
Name Description Examples
Fantasy Includes elements and beings originating from or inspired by traditional stories, such asmythical creatures(dragons,elves,dwarvesandfairies,for example),magic,witchcraft,potions,etc. The Lord of the Rings,Conan the Barbarian,Dungeons and Dragons,The Legend of Zelda,A Song of Ice and Fire,Magic: The Gathering
Science fiction Features technologies and other elements that do not exist in real life but may be supposed to be created or discovered in the future through scientific advancement, such asadvanced robots,interstellar travel,aliens,time travel,mutantsandcyborgs.Many sci-fi stories are set in the future. Halo,Godzilla,Anime,Trilogy,Revisions,The Time Machine,Cyberpunk 2077,Mass Effect,2001: A Space Odyssey,Terminator,Pacific Rim: The Black,Blade Runner,The Expanse,Transformers,The Three-Body Problem,Stargate,Babylon 5,Andromeda,Dune,Star Trek
Science Fantasy Hybrid genre within speculative fiction that simultaneously draws upon or combines tropes and elements from both science fiction and fantasy. Star Wars,Barsoom,Space Dandy,ThunderCats,Masters of the Universe
Superhero Centers onsuperheroes(i.e., heroes with extraordinary abilities or powers) and their fight against evil forces such assupervillains.Typically incorporates elements of science fiction or fantasy, and may be a subgenre of them. DC Universe,Marvel Universe,Masked Rider,My Hero Academia,Super Sentai,Metal Heroes,
Space Western Hybrid genre within speculative fiction that simultaneously draws upon or combines tropes and elements from both science fiction and the genre of Western. The Mandalorian,BraveStarr,Firefly,Outlaw Star,Space Dandy,Trigun,Bucky O'Hare,Cowboy Bebop,ThunderCats,Masters of the Universe,Buck Rogers,Dan Dare,Flash Gordon,Duck Dodgers,
Western Genre of fiction typically set in the American frontier between the California Gold Rush of 1849 and the closing of the frontier in 1890, and commonly associated with folk tales of the Western United States, particularly the Southwestern United States, as well as Northern Mexico and Western Canada. Wagon Train,Dollars Trilogy,Annie Oakley,Bucking Broncho,Buffalo Bill,Buffalo Dance,Lasso Thrower,Mexican Knife Duel,Sioux Ghost Dance,
Supernatural Similar to horror and fantasy, it overlaps with Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Occult Detective Fiction, and Paranormal Fiction. It exploits or requires plot devices or themes that often contradict commonplace, materialist assumptions about thenatural world. The Castle of Otranto,Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Angel,Big Wolf on Campus,Teen Wolf,Harry Potter,Percy Jackson & the Olympians,Stranger Things,Paranormal Activity,Dark,Fallen,The Vampire Diaries,Charmed,The Others,The Gift,The Skeleton Key
Horror Focuses on terrifying stories that incite fear. Villains may be either supernatural, such asmonsters,vampires,ghostsanddemons,or mundane people, such as psychopathic and cruel murderers. Often features violence and death. The Exorcist,Cthulhu Mythos,A Nightmare on Elm Street,Us,Books of Blood,The Hellbound Heart,Resident Evil,Scream
Utopian Takes place in a highly desirable society, often presented as advanced, happy, intelligent or even perfect or problem-free. Island,Ecotopia,17776
Dystopian Takes place in a highly undesirable society, often plagued with strict control, violence, chaos, brainwashing or other negative elements. Neon Genesis Evangelion,1984,Brazil,The Handmaid's Tale,A Clockwork Orange,The Hunger Games
Alternate history Focuses on historical events as if they happened in a different way, and their implications in the present. The Man in the High Castle,The Last Starship from Earth,Inglourious Basterds,The Guns of the South,Fatherland,The Years of Rice and Salt,Wolfenstein,Gravity Falls
Apocalyptic Takes place before and during a massive, worldwide catastrophe, typically apandemicornatural disasterof extremely large scale or anuclear holocaust. On the Beach,Threads,The Day After Tomorrow,Birdbox,2012,War of the Worlds
Post-apocalyptic Focuses on groups of survivors after massive worldwide disasters. The Stand,Mad Max,Titan A.E.,Waterworld,Fallout,Metroid Prime,Metro 2033,The Last Of Us,Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,Wasteland,Z213: Exit.
Speculative evolution Focuses on hypothetical future or alternativeevolutionof animals and/or humans. Expedition,After Man: A Zoology of the Future,The New Dinosaurs: An Alternative Evolution,Man After Man: An Anthropology of the Future,Snaiad,

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^abOziewicz, Marek (2017)."Speculative Fiction".Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Literature.doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190201098.013.78.ISBN978-0-19-020109-8.Archived fromthe originalon 18 October 2022.... a super category for all genres that deliberately depart from imitating "consensus reality" of everyday experience. In this latter sense, speculative fiction includes fantasy, science fiction, and horror, but also their derivatives, hybrids, and cognate genres like the gothic, dystopia, weird fiction, post-apocalyptic fiction, ghost stories, superhero tales, alternate history, steampunk, slipstream, magic realism, fractured fairy tales, and more.
  2. ^"speculative fiction".Dictionary Unabridged(Online). n.d.Retrieved20 January2021.
  3. ^Henwood, Belinda (2007).Publishing.Career FAQs.ISBN978-1-921106-43-9.Archivedfrom the original on 5 January 2023.Retrieved29 December2022.
  4. ^"SpecFicWorld".SpecFicWorld.Archivedfrom the original on 14 January 2013.Retrieved10 February2013.
  5. ^"A Speculative Fiction Blog".SFSignal.Archivedfrom the original on 10 February 2013.Retrieved10 February2013.
  6. ^Vint, Sherryl (16 February 2021).Science Fiction.The MIT Press.ISBN9780262539999.Retrieved1 May2023.
  7. ^"The Best in Science Fiction and Fantasy".The SF Site.Archivedfrom the original on 29 August 2006.Retrieved10 February2013.
  8. ^"Citations and definitions for the term 'speculative fiction' by speculative fiction reviewers".Greententacles.Archivedfrom the original on 26 January 2013.Retrieved10 February2013.
  9. ^Watts, Peter (Summer 2003)."Margaret Atwood and the Hierarchy of Contempt"(PDF).On Spec.Vol. 15, no. 2. pp. 3–5.Retrieved9 November2019.
  10. ^Davies, Philip. "Review [untitled; reviewed work(s):Science Fiction: Its Criticism and Teachingby Patrick Parrinder;Fantastic Lives: Autobiographical Essays by Notable Science Fiction Writersby Martin Greenberg;Robert A. Heinlein: America as Science Fictionby H. Bruce Franklin;Bridges to Science Fictionby George E. Slusser, George R. Guffey, Mark Rose].Journal of American StudiesVol. 16, No. 1 (April 1982). pp. 157–159.
  11. ^Izenberg, Orin (2011).Being Numerous: Poetry and the Ground of Social Life.Princeton: Princeton University Press. p. 210.
  12. ^Leitch, Thomas M.What Stories Are: Narrative Theory and InterpretationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1986; p. 127
  13. ^Domańska, Ewa (1998).Encounters: Philosophy of History After Postmodernism.Charlottesville, Virginia: University Press of Virginia. p. 10.
  14. ^Barry Baldwin, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Calgary, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, "Ancient Science Fiction", Shattercolors Literary Review
  15. ^"Nghịch viện trợ giới thiệu PARADOX!".paradoxmag.Archived fromthe originalon 28 July 2010.
  16. ^This theory ofEuripides' invention has gained wide acceptance. See (e.g.) McDermott 1989, 12; Powell 1990, 35; Sommerstein 2002, 16; Griffiths, 2006 81; Ewans 2007, 55.
  17. ^See, e.g., Barrett 1964; McDermott 2000.
  18. ^"Mark Wagstaff – Historical invention and political purpose | Re-public: re-imagining democracy – english version".Re-public.gr. 17 January 2005. Archived fromthe originalon 16 January 2013.Retrieved10 February2013.
  19. ^Martha Tuck Rozett, "Creating a Context for Shakespeare with Historical Fiction", Shakespeare Quarterly Vol. 46, No. 2 (Summer, 1995), pp. 220–227
  20. ^Dorothea Kehler, A midsummer night's dream: critical essays, 2001
  21. ^Adcox, John, "Can Fantasy be Myth? Mythopoeia and The Lord of the Rings" in "The Newsletter of the Mythic Imagination Institute, September/October, 2003"
  22. ^Eric Garber, Lyn Paleo Uranian Worlds: A Guide to Alternative Sexuality in Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror, 2nd Edition, G K Hall: 1990ISBN978-0-8161-1832-8
  23. ^Herodotus and Myth Conference, Christ Church, Oxford, 2003
  24. ^John M. Marincola, Introduction and Notes, The Histories by Herodotus, tr. Aubrey De Sélincourt, 2007
  25. ^Lendering, Jona."Herodotus of Halicarnassus".Livius.org. Archived fromthe originalon 18 January 2013.Retrieved10 February2013.
  26. ^Stephen W. Durrant, The cloudy mirror: tension and conflict in the writings of Sima Qian, 1995
  27. ^Craig A. Lockard,Societies, Networks, and Transitions: A Global History: To 1500,2007, p. 133.
  28. ^Heather Urbanski, Plagues, apocalypses and bug-eyed monsters: how speculative fiction shows us our nightmares, 2007, pp. 127.
  29. ^Sonu Shamdasani, Cult Fictions: C.G. Jung and the Founding of Analytical Psychology, 1998
  30. ^Relativity, The Special and the General Theory by Albert Einstein (1920), with an introduction by Niger Calder, 2006
  31. ^"Dictionary citations for the term" speculative fiction "".Jessesword. 28 April 2009.Archivedfrom the original on 7 December 2013.Retrieved10 February2013.
  32. ^"The Speculative Literature Foundation".Speculativeliterature.org.Archivedfrom the original on 4 February 2013.Retrieved10 February2013.
  33. ^"New Wave".Virtual.clemson.edu. Archived fromthe originalon 22 January 2013.Retrieved10 February2013.
  34. ^Atwood, Margaret (2011).In Other Worlds: SF and the Human Imagination.New York: Nan A. Talese/Doubleday. p.6.ISBN978-0-385-53396-6.
  35. ^Canton, James; Cleary, Helen; Kramer, Ann; Laxby, Robin; Loxley, Diana; Ripley, Esther; Todd, Megan; Shaghar, Hila; Valente, Alex; et al. (Authors) (2016).The Literature Book(First American ed.). New York:DK.p. 343.ISBN978-1-4654-2988-9.
  36. ^Crisp, Julie (10 July 2013)."SEXISM IN GENRE PUBLISHING: A PUBLISHER'S PERSPECTIVE".Tor Books.Archived fromthe originalon 30 April 2015.Retrieved29 April2015.
  37. ^"SF Foundation Journal | The Science Fiction Foundation".Sf-foundation.org.Retrieved1 April2020.[permanent dead link]

External links[edit]

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