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Science Fiction - Papers Online

Science Fiction

, succinctly defined, is a literary genre generally characterized in form as a world of exaggerated drama which argues a social commentary using current scientific knowledge as its evidence. From the emergence in the 18th century of modern to the 'birth of the book' in the 19th century, each period is distinct, yet at times similar, in their respective techniques of elucidation. From the 18th century, Voltaire's Micromegas, in its highly ironical form, is a perfect demonstration of the time's combination of satire and alienation; while from the 19th century, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, is a parody of gothic literature and of Oedipus Rex. Ultimately, 18th century ...

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the incoherence of their own though. He demonstrates this by commenting on the absurdity of war and God:
Those sedentary and slothful barbarians, who,
From their palaces, give orders for murdering
A million of men and then solemnly thank God for
Their success (RABKIN, 67).

At the root of his social criticism is a program of reformation. Voltaire’s greatest tool in Micromegas is his ability to use alienation to make the seriousness of his argument felt without removing the sarcastic undertones of his satire. The use of alienation allows his points to be fully expressed without offending the reader. For instance, Voltaire strongly objects to the metaphysical and theological views of the world; our soul is neither spiritual nor immortal, rather, our essence is based in our thoughts. He suggests that we must consciously create a division between our faith and our powers of reason because it is impossible to ever know the omnipotent, omniscient, and eternal nature of God. Instead, the ...

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Science Fiction. (2005, May 13). Retrieved January 2, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Science-Fiction/26841

"Science Fiction." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 13 May. 2005. Web. 2 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Science-Fiction/26841>

"Science Fiction." Essayworld.com. May 13, 2005. Accessed January 2, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Science-Fiction/26841.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 5/13/2005 06:42:47 PM
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 1042
Pages: 4

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