chris@boulder.UUCP (Chris Sterritt) (05/31/84)
Quite some time ago, I read a really enjoyable collection of short
stories, edited by Mr. Asimov. It was a collection of Russian shorts,
and they were all rather good. What makes it apropos for this
discussion was Asimov's comments on the Growth and change of Science
fiction over the years. I'll paraphrase madly, since it has been so
long (perhaps someone who owns this book will post its name):
"Science fiction has gone through three stages: the
pure technological, the Society level, and the personal level
of interaction. The Technological type is the sort of
shoot-em-up, neeto-keeno gaget, etc. type of fiction. [There
is a very old (1920's?) story in this book about a couple of
scientists who are in Africa. One contracts a disease of some
nasty sort that makes his brain swell. They put his brain
into an elephant... called Hoity-Toity. CLS] The society type
is the sort that describes a society in general, perhaps a
utopia, perhaps a dictatorship, etc. The Russians have never
gone beyond this level. The Interpersonal level type deals
very much with personal relationships and the resulting
complications."
Personally, I find this an interesting discussion. I'm not sure,
having not read much Soviet Science fiction (Who do you recommend?)
but this does seem to show some insight into the classifications of
science fiction. As to wondering if this will ever replace "Standard"
(please note the quotation marks!!) fiction, I really don't think so.
Perhaps, as technology advances and computers, etc. become more a part
of our life, "Pure Lit" writers will write more sciencey-fictiony
stuff, just because there will be something more of an impact of
science on our lives. Perhaps also more "Pure Sci-Fi" writers will
write more personal, "Lit" type of fiction (in my humble opinion, this
is already happening, eg. Stanislaw Lem, David Eddings' Belgariad-
fascinating in seeing the character's growth).
Please remember also that we all really can't agree on what Science
Fiction is... and please don't flame me with a lot of "WELL, I know
what scifi is, even if you jerks don't" type of replies.
thanks for listening,
Chris Sterritt
"He who steals my mind steals toxic waste"
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