Defining Science Fiction and Fantasy
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Science Fiction
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Elements of
Literature
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Fantasy
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The major events might really happen, based
on scientific facts that we know or theorize to be true.
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PLOT
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The major events could not happen, according
to science as we know it today.
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Time: Usually in the near or distant
future. Place: Earth, or another location that real scientists theorize
may exist.
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SETTING
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Time: Usually right now or in the past,
perhaps "Once upon a time." Place: May be a realistic place on
earth, or in an alternate world.
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The characters solve a problem by using
actual or theorized scientific data.
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PROBLEM
(Conflict)
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The characters solve a problem by using magic
or impossible strategies. This has to happen in the book for it to be fantasy.
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Fictional: but they act in ways that make
sense from a scientific point of view.
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CHARACTERS
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Fictional: but they act in ways that make
sense in a fantasy situation.
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A subgenre of science fiction is dystopian fiction which deals with possibilities
for future societies that may seem to be perfect but have serious problems.
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For our purposes we will count paranormal
books as a subgenre of fantasy.
Examples would include
The Graveyard Book and the Twilight series.
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Some books blend these two genres. For instance, Artemis Fowl
uses modern and futuristic technology, but also interacts with fairies and
leprechauns and other "magical" creatures.
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On this post you will find lists of fantasy and science fiction novels :
Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu and Erin McGuire
The Real Boy by Anne Ursu and Erin McGuire
About Fantasy:
Science fiction is a genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about science and technology of the future. It may be set in space or on the Earth or another world.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson927/SciFiDefinition.pdf
Recommended Science Fiction: Scroll down to the list for middle school.
http://www.onlinecollegesanduniversities.net/blog/2011/the-80-greatest-science-fiction-books-for-kids/
- Events occur outside the ordinary laws that operate within the universe.
- Magic is central to the fantasy genre.
- Fantasy stories often involve journeys and quests.
http://cavemanenglish.pbworks.com/Recommended-Books
Science fiction is a genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about science and technology of the future. It may be set in space or on the Earth or another world.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson927/SciFiDefinition.pdf
Recommended Science Fiction: Scroll down to the list for middle school.
http://www.onlinecollegesanduniversities.net/blog/2011/the-80-greatest-science-fiction-books-for-kids/
