Objective:

Analyzing Science Fiction Text

Finding and incorporating textual evidence.

Part 1

-When reading SF (Science Fiction) text, it’s a good idea to take your time and really examine what is presented to you.

-Annotation on the text helps mark down what really stands out to you in the text.

Write Notes on:

  • Parts of the text that confuses you (For class discussion and to solve what the material means)
  • Ideas that come to you from reading the text.
  • Unfamiliar Vocabulary : This is always a great thing to take note of, as we expand our literary repertoire.
  • Some main elements to consider when analyzing SF literature:
    • Conflicts: Some may be more minor than others in a story, but finding some sort of conflict is a good place to start.
    • Values: What values are promoted in the society (or societies)? What is discouraged?
    • Themes: What are the messages you’re getting from the reading?

Part 2

-When you make a claim about an element in a story, textual evidence complements your claim.

  • Professor’s Advice: Try to make a claim in the form of a question. That way, you can find evidence to which you can support the claim you end up at. (Did I get that right? Correct me if I’m wrong)
  • With your analysis of the text, what questions can you derive from what you’ve read?
  • Once you’ve identified your questions, evidence is need. Some examples of textual evidence are:
    • Character Quotes or Dialogue
    • Events in the story
    • Character Actions
    • Setting
    • Symbols
  • After you’ve gathered enough evidence, you can conclude a claim to which you have the literary foundation to support it with.

Vocabulary

persiflage: Synonym for witty banter.

subjunctivity: The relationship to reality to what is depicted in fiction work.

subjective: Particular to a person; varying perspective.

objective: Something known to be absolute.

reverberated: The continuing effect of sound.

atavism: The emergence of genetic traits that have appeared in past generations.

acquiescence: Accepting something without protest.