Fantasy vs. Science Fiction vs.
Dystopia
What’s the difference?
What’s the purpose?
Similarities and Differences
• There are many similarities and few differences
between the three subgenres.
• All entail a “world” unlike our own- setting is in an
altered or unknown location, the government is
usually overbearing, and characters are dealing
with a struggle and the human impact of that
struggle.
• All entail a “world” unlike our own- the settings are
specific to the subgenre, characters are different
(robot humanoids/ elves/ aliens), and the stories
themselves come from different sources of
inspiration (an author’s view on a global issue vs. an
author “dreaming” the idea.)
Fantasy- The Original
• Fantasy dates back thousands of years. Even
the Bible has a brief fantasy story when Jotham,
in the book of Judges, tells a story of trees asking
other trees to be their king. (Judges 9:8-15)
• Most often, fantasy is a way to escape, but it is
initially about bridging the gaps between
experience and knowledge; it incorporates the
element of “pretend”; fantasy is a safe way to
explore big, wide, and intrepid ideas.
• Over time, fantasy helps young readers to deal
with emotions or feelings, such as: failure/
defeat and betrayal/ disappointment.
• Can lead to a greater truth or understanding
some of the “mysteries” of life
Fantasy- The Original cont.
• Typical fantasy stories involve totally original,
imagination-created settings.
• The setting interacts with the characters by way
of keeping the characters in a single location
(Crossed by Ally Condie), protecting characters
from evil (Camp Halfblood in Percy Jackson), or
by forcing the character to make decisions
based on the character’s location (Lockdown by
Alexander Gordon Smith). This is just a sampling.
• Often times there is magic in the stories; this can
include mythical or magical creatures.
• There will be a hero and antihero (villain).
• It is typically the theme of good vs. evil.
• Often times a quest, or journey, is involved to
solve a problem.
Science Fiction
• This is a branch of fiction that deals with the
responses of human beings to changes in
science and technology.
• Often times, science fiction will explore the
areas of artificial life, gene-splicing, the
atomic bomb/ nuclear war, space:
technologies/ explorations, brain-washing,
constant surveillance, etc.
• Sci-fi explores the upsides and downsides of
the “science” as well as the human impact
(good or bad).
• It asks the question, “If this goes on, where
will it lead?” It can suggest possible futures.
Science Fiction cont.
• Many sci-fi writers are working scientists, have
advanced degrees in science/ math, or a strong
background in science, technology, and
journalism.
• Many sci-fi texts crossover into the dystopian
world.
• The setting is typically futuristic and the humans
are controlled by an all-powerful government.
• Pieces of literature, like Mary Shelley’s
Frankenstein (1815), Michael Crichton’s Jurassic
Park (1990), and Ray Bradbury’s All Summer in a
Day (1954) all predicted things that have come to
pass: reanimation of life (defibrillator), genetic
engineering (cloning the sheep Dolly), living in
space/ another planet (International Space
Station).
Dystopia
• Corruption, Totalitarian Government, Bleak
Future!! These are words associated with the
concept of dystopia.
• Dystopia means to be in a place where the
conditions of life are extremely bad from
deprivation, oppression, or terror.
• This is the opposite of utopia which means to
be in an ideally perfect place.
• The setting is usually in the not-to-far future and
is a known location (District 12, from Hunger
Games, is in the Appalachian Mtns.)
• However, the setting is altered either due to
war, technological progress, or indirect results
such as floods and crop failures (Alan Moore’s
V for Vendetta 1982 and 1985.)
Dystopia cont.
• The setting directly influences the character
and the choices he/she makes; time and
again the setting creates subtle conflicts for
the main character(s).
• Frequently, the future is dreary due to
government control. The government can get
by with anything- including rewriting history
(George Orwell’s 1984 (1949)), brainconditioning (Aldous Huxley’s A Brave New
World (1932)), or nuclear war (Philip K. Dick’s
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep (1968)).
• The authors of these texts are inspired by realworld events and are using their writings to
comment on social or political issues.
• Authors regularly blur the lines of humanity.
EXIT SLIP!!
• On a sheet a paper, please put your
name, date, class period, and label the
assignment Differences in Genres.
• Using your notes, list 5 ideas that you
have learned.
• Using your notes and your own words,
explain 2 similarities and 2 differences
of all the genres. (for example, what is
something that all 3 genres have in
common and what is different)
• GOOD LUCK!! Due As You Leave Class!!