What is the difference in emphasis between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction? Which is The Man in the High Castle?
The Man in the High Castle I personally think is speculative fiction. The difference between science fiction and speculative fiction is that science fiction has the immediate details ranging from the extraterrestrial to time travel. Science fiction sometimes explores the future introducing new science and technology, while keeping the imaginary world reasonably explainable. Speculative fiction can demonstrate a whole range of different genres, while keeping the storyline strange and intense. Speculative fiction can introduce alternate history. This being part of the plot of The Man in the High Castle.
This novel takes a different route from the usual science fiction, it delves into a alternate history. Nazi Germany and Japan defeat the Allies of WWII, and take over the United States of America. Japan take control of the West of America and The Nazis take control of the South. The Man in the high castle fantastically portrays this alternate history which obviously in turn changes the future.
I think it's a speculative fiction too because of the plot but in the readings they says it's a science fiction piece. I'd done some research through the sites but none of them mention The man in the high castle being a speculative fiction. Still haven't figure out why though :)
ReplyDeleteI think both of you right lol. I saw the definition of Speculative fiction on wiki says “speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy (…)”
ReplyDeleteAs you mean, The Man in the High Castle obviously based on the alternate history, and the readings did mention it is a SF. So my opinion, maybe it is a science fiction, and also a Speculative fiction. I’m not sure, just guessing.