Science Fiction and Fantasy
American Military University
This week’s historical readings have divulged much of the early background of science fiction that was previously unknown to me. Although, I?ve read hundreds of books and magazines from all periods of the genre, I was only slightly informed regarding the genesis of early science fiction. By incorporating this new knowledge into my previous readings, I will be better prepared to appreciate and understand this art form. For instance, I was unaware of the large role that dark fantasy played in the early formation of the genre. I’ve always appreciated Poe and Lovecraft, but I’d never considered their work to be fantasy. Through the readings provided for this week, I’ve learned that their works have a home in this section of literature.
Growing up in Central Illinois with moderate to severe seasonal allergies, I was forced to spend many summer and spring days inside when the pollen was high. I retreated into my books and magazines during such occasions. My playmates on such days were Asimov, Bradbury, Campbell, Clarke, Harrison, Heinlein, Kornbluth, Silverberg and others. I devoured all the books and magazines I could find. I specifically remember a yard sale which netted about 75 science fiction books and late 1960?s and 1970?s magazines. Reading those old copies of Analog, Fantasy and Science Fiction, Fantastic Stories, Galaxy and Worlds of Tomorrow developed my admiration and enthusiasm for science fiction in the short story and novella format. Although, I?ve read hundreds of novels and serials as well, my true passion in the genre remains the short story and novella area. The ability to communicate a complex range of actions, emotions and socio-political messages in a short space is in my opinion, an under appreciated art form.
My favorite novel is still Robert Heinlein?s The Door Into Summer. This book spoke to me in a manner that no other book did. I greatly enjoyed all of the novels and serials I?ve read from across the science fiction spectrum, but this book contained a little something extra that still captures my imagination and admiration. It didn?t contain the heavy political, sociological or psychological aspects I?d grown to love, appreciate and look forward to in Heinlein and Asimov?s works. It didn?t compare with Arthur C. Clarke and Robert Silverberg?s distant future epics. It was different and somehow unique. I don?t consider the book to be among Heinlein?s best or near the top of the genre, but for some inexplicable reason, it remains my favorite.
I enjoyed the reading assignments for this week in dark fantasy. Having been a fan of Poe and Lovecraft, I can appreciate a good psychological thriller almost as much as I enjoy science fiction. That said, however, I am not well read among other authors in this particular field. Reading these stories opened my eyes to their proper location in the realm of fantasy rather than horror. I?ve developed a better appreciation for such writings and hope to read more.
The underlying theme in Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell?s The Old Nurse?s Story was one I can appreciate. The alternating themes of loyalty and rejection were well intertwined. The exceptional loyalty of the caretaker for young Rosamond, offset by the disloyalty of a sister and the rejection of Lord Furnivall towards his youngest daughter and grandchild showed two polar opposites of human interaction.
Harriet Beecher Stowe?s The Ghost in the Cap?n Brown House was an interesting exercise in imagination run amok. This is the same story that plays itself out on a daily basis in small towns and communities nationwide. Wherever overactive imaginations, inquisitive individuals and a lack of concrete information mix, you may end up with rampant speculation and rumors of the type that preyed upon this village.
The Three Marked Pennies by Mary Elizabeth Counselman played upon the twin themes of greed and fear. As manifested via the mysterious coin contest, townsfolk were confronted with an unreasonable choice between a small fortune, the trip of a lifetime or sudden death. This perverse choice placed the twin demons of greed and fear in a duel for the hearts and minds of the citizens of Branton.
In Robert Louis Stevenson?s The Body Snatchers, members of an elevated, highly regarded and celebrated profession fall prey to the everyday temptations of greed, dishonesty and violence.
The strange tale of The Damned Thing by Ambrose Bierce centered on the fear of the unknown and unseen. By focusing on these common emotions, Bierce was able to leave the reader with a sense of madness, dread and helplessness exhibited through the plight of Hugh Morgan.
Dracula?s Guest by Bram Stoker took the reader on a trip into the supernatural. The introduction into this story of vampires, werewolves and the dead rising from their graves evoked centuries of mythology and old wive?s tales topped of with a fear of the dark.
A twisted tale of deceiving appearances takes place in Damon Knight?s To Serve Man. This story subtly deals with the notion that there is no such thing as a free lunch and combines that notion with Humanity?s instinctive fear off strangers. In the end, we are reminded that free isn?t always free and that skepticism and fear of strangers are not necessarily bad things.