Science Fiction and Literary Merit

Does Science Fiction have literary merit?

Margaret Atwood, George Orwell, Kazuo Ishiguro, Kobo Abe, William Gibson, Ursula K. Le Guin, and others have or are said to have written science fiction. Though the question is: does science fiction have any literary merit.

Literary Merit apparently goes to more "realistic," or "naturalistic," novels which may take place in the past or present, but are also fictional, and have themes that are rather relevant to the plot of the novel. When a person thinks of science fiction, its set in the future which can be either far far far into the future, or in the near-future. Science fiction usually deals with advanced technology, and sometimes rather bleak futures that are caused by the current events of the present. Totalitarian governments, loss of freedoms, the human races close extinction, and of course many other aspects that are seen as bleak. though i am sure some science fiction shows some Utopia's that are shining, clean, and full of happiness. Of course those aren't read much; as Leo Tolstoy put it:

"Happiness is an allegory, unhappiness a story."

Just because science fiction is set into the future does it mean that has less literary merit?

not really. I think what people fear about science fiction is its, often compared to Fantasy. The difference between Fantasy and Science Fiction though is as Brian Aldiss wrote in a Times article called: "Why don't we love science fiction?" (a link will be provided at the end) is the following (quoted by Brian Aldiss from the article):

"In a fantasy story," Aldiss says, "there's a big evil abroad, but, in the end, everything goes back to normal and everybody goes home to drink ale in the shires. In a science-fiction story, there may be a terrible evil aboard, and it may get sorted out, but the world is f***ed up forever. This is realism. Its certainly not beach reading, unless you can find a really nasty, shingly beach."

In other words does that mean Science Fiction have literary merit because its realism in the future? In my opinion yes. It does have literary merit. Aldous Huxley, wrote "Brave New World," George Orwell wrote "1984," they had literary merit, and can be (are) considered Science fiction.

Though one wonders why the Superiors of the Literature world, look down on Science Fiction as just another bunch of "penny dreadful," novels? Most likely because of their close proximity to Fantasy. Lewis Carroll the author of "Alice Adventures in Wonderland," and "Through the Looking Glass," are generally seen as nonsensical novels for children, and are completely illogical. however, underneath the child's amusement of the novel, of the cute quirky feelings we see a deeper hidden meaning that the child does not see but what we see. In many ways that is what Science Fiction might be like in many ways. It has the enjoyment of the plot, and also explores themes that might reflect human nature, culture, and society; yet instead of reading like a long drawn out text book, it comes across as reader enjoyable and scholar worthy.

"Frankenstein," by Mary Shelly, is often considered the first Science Fiction, and is often well regarded as a great novel. i do agree very much with that statement in many ways, for i have read the novel, many years ago. I do think that Mary shelly Had an act at creating a wonderful, tale of what it means to be human, and what it means to play the role of "God."

However, there are two different kinds of science fiction in my opinion. There is Science Fiction that has Literary Merit and explores themes of technology and sciences impact on society, the individual, families et cetera. Then there is the science fiction that would bore me to death, and remind me more of a Physics, Biology, Chemistry or general science text book from high school or even a more advanced course in the science department. You know the stuff that some really, really, really big science buff would read. But literary merit in the end and final point is not rare, or not even non-existent.

In closing, Science Fiction has literary merit, its just often pushed aside as second rate, compared to other literary genres. Though a few novelists and their novels, have pushed past that literary ghetto, and moved forward, to have influenced culture and literature itself. Its not impossible, and the merit and outstanding achievement is there, its just a matter of putting aside the prejudice and discrimination, one can see the themes and influence it can have.

Thank-you for reading Gentle Reader

Stay safe and stay smart

Morose-Mary

(the promised link)

wont copy on to my blog i apologize i'll figure it out how to get on here somehow. i apologize for the inconvenience

Bibliography:

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article2961480.ece