Fantasy+or+Science+Fiction,+Independent+Reading

= Fantasy or Science Fiction =

This quarter, you are to read either a science fiction book or a fantasy book. Some books have elements of both. A good example of this is __A Wrinkle in Time__. The concept of alternate dimensions is science; however, the stars (Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Whatsit) are fantasy. This is because they are magical.

For this project, you will need to decide whether your book is fantasy, science fiction, or a little of both. You will list elements which belong in each category and then write your argument backing it up with evidence from the book.

= A little about these genres: =

Fantasy A fantasy novel is a [|genre] of literature which features fantastical elements. The stories categorized in this genre often feature mythological creatures and magic. Depending on the type of subgenre the novel is, the setting of the story can be in an alternate universe, the past or even the present. The universal factor in all these stories is, however, the fact that the events that happen in the story could not happen in real life. This drastically separates fantasy from other forms of [|fiction].

Science Fiction

The fantasy genre is closely related to science fiction. However, they are technically different. While both have to do with events or places that have not and may not exist, science fiction uses science to do this. In other words, in theory, science fiction could happen with the correct technology. Despite the differences, the two genres are commonly placed together—sometimes even lumped into the same category.

L et’s turn to Ray Bradbury, author of, among other great novels, Fahrenheit 451 and The Martian Chronicles, who has written in both genres. He described science fiction this way: > Science fiction is really sociological studies of the future, things that the writer believes are going to happen by putting two and two together. . . Science fiction is a logical or mathematical projection of the future. > = = > > Half way through the book: >  media type="custom" key="22894992"

media type="custom" key="22895006" > Here is a site with lists of science fiction books:

Here is a great site with wonderful recommendations for Fantasy Fanatices.