Dystopian Vs. Science Fiction

Okay, so I apologize if we've discussed this before, but it's something I've been thinking a lot about. A few months ago, I attended a class on dystopian literature, and realized there are different kinds. I had no idea! So I've been thinking about this since then. And then, POSSESSION came out last week, and some people are saying it's sci fi, and some are saying it's dystopian.

So I started thinking some more.

So here's some dystopian definitions:
dystopia - An imaginary place in a work of fiction where the characters lead dehumanized, fearful lives. Jack London's The Iron Heel, Yevgeny Zamyatin's My, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-four, and Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale portray versions of dystopia. ...
http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/glossary/glossary_de.htm

dystopia - Polar opposite of utopia. A society in which social and/or technological trends have contributed to a corrupted or degraded state.
http://www.theliterarylink.com/definitions.html

dystopia - an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives; an imaginary place or state where everything is as bad as it possibly can be: or a description of such a place.
http://www.infinitefutures.com/resources/glossary.shtml

I read those, and I see "bad" "fear" "corrupt" and "dehumanized."

And that, to me, does not sound like science fiction. At all. To me, science fiction is gadgets and space ships. In fact, I don't think something is science fiction unless there is a space ship.

Let's look at some definitions for science fiction:
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with the impact of imagined innovations in science or technology, often in a futuristic setting.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction

Kingsley Amis says "Science Fiction is that class of prose narrative treating of a situation that could not arise in the world we know, but which is hypothesized on the basis of some innovation in science or technology, or pseudo-technology, whether human or extra-terresial in origin."

Isaac Asimov says "Modern science fiction is the only form of literature that consistently considers the nature of the changes that face us, the possible consequences, and the possible solutions.

That branch of literature which is concerned with the impact of scientific advance upon human beings."

And for those of us not as deep as Asimov, Benjamin Appel says, "Science fiction reflects scientific thought; a fiction of things-to-come based on things-on-hand."
http://scifi.about.com/od/scififantasy101/a/SCIFI_defs.htm

Okay, I don't see "space ship" in any of those. Ha! What I do see is "science" "futuristic" and "impact."

It's the last word that fascinates me. The impact of futuristic scientific achievements. I like that almost as much as space ships.

So, what do you think? Do you agree with these definitions? How would you define dystopian? Science fiction?

One thing is clear: dystopian and science fiction are NOT the same, but I can see how they can exist in the same book, space ships or not. Can you see that relation?

45 comments:

kathy said...

But if the impact of scientific achievement leads to the dehumaization of society, then can it be both? OK - thinking about it too much makes my head hurt. :)

I do think that readers who have been drawn in by dystopian works might eventually crave books where society is built up again, so there might be more finding their way to the sci fi side.

Midnight Bloom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Midnight Bloom said...

I'm taking a science fiction course at U of T right now and we learned that dystopian is a sub-genre of SF. Our required reading for our discussions on dystopian was actually The Hunger Games, which I thought was pretty awesome seeing the novel studied from an academic perspective.

Before taking the course, I would have thought dystopian and SF were separate, but I guess there's more to SF than meets the eye. I think, for some reason, when I think of SF, I think more often of space operas like Star Wars or something, which may not exactly be fair. But now I have a better idea that SF has focus on how technology and science go together to influence the society. When I think of a novel as being dystopian, I look more towards the political aspects of the society and how they're flawed and controlling in some way.

Elanor Lawrence said...

I like that distinction. Right now I'm writing a story that falls into both categories. The world is made possible by a Scientific advance (namely, virtual reality) which makes it Sci-fi rather than dystopia, but it's dystopia b/c the world is ruled by a fairly controlling government. So, it's pretty much both, which I'm guessing is a good thing b/c it means I can pitch it as whatever is hot when I want to publish it.

Tere Kirkland said...

I think where I draw the line is that dystopian novels can have sci-fi elements, but it isn't the science that's the main focus of the story, but a society that's tried so hard to create a utopia, that it's actually limited the rights of its people and become oppressive.

Sci-fi has more of a focus on the tech and how that changes the society. It's almost like an alternate reality, usually set in the future.

It's an interesting topic of discussion, that's for sure.

kah said...

I'm no expert on either genre (though I do enjoy reading them) so your definitions look good to me. :)

Karen Sandler said...

I think your definitions are great. I also think that as Midnight Bloom stated, dystopian is a sub-genre of SF. Sometimes SF is softer, more societal. LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS by Ursula K. Le Guin is a good example of that. I'd put THE HUNGER GAMES in that category as well (the soft has to do with it being more people/societal oriented rather than being non-violent). My own book, TANKBORN, fits this category too. Although the science of genetic engineering is key to the plot, it's a very character driven story.

Bottom line, to me dystopian is a type of science fiction. Or call it speculative fiction if the "science" puts you off.

Rebecca Gomez said...

So many dystopian books have science fiction elements, but that doesn't mean they are the same thing.

I see dystopian as primarily focused on some sort of oppression, often in a more technically advanced futuristic society. The Giver, The Hunger Games, Divergent, etc.

I see science fiction as primarily centered around the science itself (aliens invading, space ships, computers taking over the world, cloning, other planets, outbreaks). The Ear the Eye and the Arm, The House of the Scorpion, The Dragon Riders of Pern, I am Number Four, etc.

Catherine Stine said...

Sci-fi does not always have a spaceship and serious gadgetry these days. There are some great women sci-fi writers who are more interested in visionary world-building and future psychology. And then, there's the inimitable Ray Bradbury, who was a prose poet more than anything.
But yeah, you've got the dystopian thing pretty on point.

Holly Black said...

I see that Midnight Bloom already pointed this out above, but I think that the reason that the distinction may seem confusing is that the dystopian genre, as we are currently using it in kidlit, is a SUBGENRE of science fiction, just like urban fantasy, epic secondary world fantasy, sword and sorcery, dark fantasy, etc. are all subgenres of the fantasy genre.

Other sub-genres of science fiction are space opera, hard science fiction, space opera, slipstream, and sociological science fiction. You might want to look here for some quick-and-dirty categorizations: http://www.writing-world.com/sf/genres.shtml

Holly Black said...

Not to say there aren't more subgenres of both sf and fantasy -- there are lots!

Holly Black said...

Last point: I always think it's a good rule of thumb to say that if it's set in the future, it's probably science fiction.

Sorry for posting a bazillion times.

Reid Kemper said...

There are many dystopian science fiction stories, so that's where people may get confused.

Capital Gains Tax advice said...

V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors and Chartered Certified Accountants, represent an authoritative source on most aspects of tax and specialise in the following: Self-Assessment Tax advice, Self Employed Tax Returns, Company and Corporation Tax advice, Capital Gains Tax advice, Buy-To-Let Property Tax advice, Tax Planning and Tax Consultancy Services. With over 25 years of experience in the business of providing expert tax advice, V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors offer valuable information to clients to help them save money, reduce and mitigate tax. V P Associates, Chartered Tax Advisors & Chartered Certified Accountants, are the first and foremost specialists in taxation matters. Visit their site for a comprehensive list of services: http://vpassociates.com/

Accountants Crawley

Accountants Redhill said...

V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors and Chartered Certified Accountants, represent an authoritative source on most aspects of tax and specialise in the following: Self-Assessment Tax advice, Self Employed Tax Returns, Company and Corporation Tax advice, Capital Gains Tax advice, Buy-To-Let Property Tax advice, Tax Planning and Tax Consultancy Services. With over 25 years of experience in the business of providing expert tax advice, V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors offer valuable information to clients to help them save money, reduce and mitigate tax. V P Associates, Chartered Tax Advisors & Chartered Certified Accountants, are the first and foremost specialists in taxation matters. Visit their site for a comprehensive list of services: http://vpassociates.com/

Accountants Crawley

Accountants Redhill said...

V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors and Chartered Certified Accountants, represent an authoritative source on most aspects of tax and specialise in the following: Self-Assessment Tax advice, Self Employed Tax Returns,Company and Corporation Tax advice,Capital Gains Tax advice, Buy-To-Let Property Tax advice, Tax Planning and Tax Consultancy services. With over 25 years of experience in the business of providing expert tax advice, V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors offer valuable information to clients to help them save money,reduce and mitigate tax. V P Associates, Chartered Tax Advisors & Chartered Certified Accountants, are the first and foremost specialists in taxation matters. Visit their site for a comprehensive list of services :http://vpassociates.com/

Accountants Lingfield

Unknown said...

V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors and Chartered Certified Accountants, represent an authoritative source on most aspects of tax and specialise in the following: Self-Assessment Tax advice, Self Employed Tax Returns, Company and Corporation Tax advice, Capital Gains Tax advice, Buy-To-Let Property Tax advice, Tax Planning and Tax Consultancy Services. With over 25 years of experience in the business of providing expert tax advice, V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors offer valuable information to clients to help them save money, reduce and mitigate tax. V P Associates, Chartered Tax Advisors & Chartered Certified Accountants, are the first and foremost specialists in taxation matters. Visit their site for a comprehensive list of services: http://vpassociates.com/

Accountants Haywards Heath

Accountants Redhill said...

V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors and Chartered Certified Accountants, represent an authoritative source on most aspects of tax and specialise in the following: Self-Assessment Tax advice, Self Employed Tax Returns, Company and Corporation Tax advice, Capital Gains Tax advice, Buy-To-Let Property Tax advice, Tax Planning and Tax Consultancy Services. With over 25 years of experience in the business of providing expert tax advice, V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors offer valuable information to clients to help them save money, reduce and mitigate tax. V P Associates, Chartered Tax Advisors & Chartered Certified Accountants, are the first and foremost specialists in taxation matters. Visit their site for a comprehensive list of services: http://vpassociates.com/

Accountants Haywards Heath

Unknown said...

V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors and Chartered Certified Accountants, represent an authoritative source on most aspects of tax and specialise in the following: Self-Assessment Tax advice, Self Employed Tax Returns, Company and Corporation Tax advice, Capital Gains Tax advice, Buy-To-Let Property Tax advice, Tax Planning and Tax Consultancy Services. With over 25 years of experience in the business of providing expert tax advice, V P Associates Chartered Tax Advisors offer valuable information to clients to help them save money, reduce and mitigate tax. V P Associates, Chartered Tax Advisors & Chartered Certified Accountants, are the first and foremost specialists in taxation matters. Visit their site for a comprehensive list of services: http://vpassociates.com/

Accountants Horley

monalisa said...

Need happy new year shayari go our website

Unknown said...

Need local seo service go our website

Unknown said...

Mileo is instant group messaging application that connects teacher-student, coach-player, leader-follower without number sharing, safe and anonymous.

Anonymous

Unknown said...

Mileo is instant group messaging application that connects teacher-student, coach-player, leader-follower without number sharing, safe and anonymous.

Anonymous

Unknown said...

Emails Fresh Leads and Business All Country price Low, Tools Private
- Email Extractor Private 2016
- Wordpress Brute Force
- Extract Phone Number


For details click blacklistemail

Unknown said...

Need about como alcanzar el exito personal go our website

Unknown said...

" TRX exercises for weight loss " TRX exercises for weight loss. Read more about TRX training for weight loss. Check the effectiveness of the TRX weight loss program

Tax Advisors said...

This is an online e-commerce website where customers can purchase mid to high-range fitness accessories, apparel and nutritional supplements. Our incredible team developed this e-commerce website to showcase different categories of apparel, accessories and supplements to promote ease-of-access to our customers. We offer quality products designed for results oriented and effective workout. Even when you're not working out, we have other products and accessories to keep you looking your best and staying motivated.

Lastly, I started "Workout or Walkout" after I said similar words to someone in a gym one day when I got tired of people spending more time on their phones than they actually spend working out in the gym. I love and encourage phones in the gym for many reasons but if I need to use an equipment and it's not available simply because you choose to use it as a couch to text or chat, then we have a tiny bit of a problem my friend. Workout, Eat healthy; it's a lifetime thing! #workoutorwalkout #stayhealthymyfriends

For more information please click at workout walkout

Unknown said...

Test Delivery Instructive Testing Service We expect that unfaltering work, status and mindful evaluation pick a contender's prosperity,INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY,CORPORATE,VOCATIONAL EDUCATION visit site...

Hero said...


1xbet turkiye 1xbet Türkiye, online bahis şirketi hakkında giriş ve inceleme bilgileri. Onebahis firması için 2020 güncel yeni giriş adresi, ödemeler ve üyelik işlemleri için detaylı bilgiler, 1xbahis sayfamızda yer almakta.

Receap said...

BUY SPOTIFY PLAYS REAL PLAYS TO BOOST YOUR MUSIC.
We will promote your tracks and give you very good promotion Buy spotify plays

Haider said...

white runtz online

AR Rahman said...

HORoskop

Hero said...

Ketamine HCL Liquid Vials

,

Ketamine HCL Powder, Special K, Kit Kat

,

Buy 3-MeO-PCP Online,

Buy Ecstasy Online Without Prescription,

Ephedrine HCL Crystals,

Buy MXE Online Buy Methoxetamine Online,

Furanyl Fentanyl Powder

,

A-PVP Crystals,

Acetyl Fentanyl Powder,

Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

,

Rafid said...

Samoyeds for sale We have been branded as the best cattery for breeding healthy kittens and puppies ready for a home.

starswimschools said...

Wommen's Swimming course involves not only the training methods and instructions but also it requires a suitable infrastructure to learn the course, Star swim school has a built-in state of art and futuristic pool with the facilities to engage in all weather condition.

Jay Keygreer said...

Sioux City Cracked Glass Repairs
Pest Control Liberal
Investor Friendly Contractor
Contractor Near Me
Buy My Home
High School Girls Basketball Fundraising

AR Rahman said...

Handy man management services

Aslam said...

motherhood CO.MOM is a fun new online magazine and social network community created by moms for moms. Read interesting articles, get advice from our agony aunt, aunt\y anne, learn how to earn an income online with our guru debbie or you can even seek medical advice from our resident physician dr samantha and relax while checking out the latest horoscopes from our trained mystic. Theres even a thriving forum community where moms of the world can get together and enjoy good conversation along with lots of other fun ways to kill some time with a cuppa when taking a break from being super mom at co.mom.

I Learn Education said...

Amazing one!
Worth Stuff thanks for sharing.

year 10 selective school test papers free

Deepak said...

“MR.MARKETERS” is providing an E-commerce Business Consultant , Digital marketing consultant. Digital Marketing Consultant, SEO trainer, OR digital marketing trainer for those who want to learn and grow their business.

Om International Packers and Movers said...

Nice post and Gud Writing Skills.
Keep posting such informative posts.

Delhi Institute of Digital Marketing is also provides
Best Digital marketing course in Gurgaon
You can visit our website to know more.

Best Digital Marketing Course in Gurgaon

intellimindz said...

Nice post and Gud Writing Skills.
Keep posting such informative posts

we are providing the best proxy java online job support from india .
for more details visit: Java Proxy Job Support From India

Website Development Services Noida said...

If you’re looking for a local seo company in Noida, then RS Organisation is a company in India which provides businesses and companies with the best local seo for local businesses in India

nexswitch said...

Freezone Business Setup

Ryan Mills said...

buy acetyl fentanyl online

buy a-pvp crystal online

buy 4-mec online

buy actavis promethazine online

buy 1p-lsd online

https://shenchulab.com