Weeks 7 and 8
Science fiction - PKD
1) What is the difference in emphasis between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction? Which is The Man in the High Castle?
2) According to Mountfort (2006), what role does the I Ching have as an organisational device in the structure of Man in the High Castle? How does the use of this device illuminate the character of the novel’s protagonists?
3What does Brown (2001) identify as the central themes and concerns of the novel? What elements conform to the wider generic features of science fiction?
4) What does Dick(1995) himself theorise about the I Ching?
5) A Scanner Darkly is not really Science Fiction but a thinly disguised autobiography.
A Scanner Darkly is true Science Fiction in that it takes a trend in society, in this case surveillance, and takes it to its logical extreme.
Comment on these two different views with reference to the film and/or the novel and what you can discover about the author's life.
1) What is the difference in emphasis between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction? Which is The Man in the High Castle?
ReplyDeleteSpeculative fiction is an umbrella term for fantasy, science fiction, and horror. They are just dominant elements of the diagram, but other factors are involved as well such as superhero fiction, supernatural fiction, and science fantasy.
Science fiction is a sub-genre of speculative fiction, but science fiction and speculative fiction are two separate as well as different genres. Science fiction usually involves imaginative concepts such as futuristic science and technology; good examples could be time travel and space travel etc. Science fiction is a term of using potential consequences of scientific and other innovations. Science fiction tends to exclude supernatural aspects, unlike speculative fiction involves supernatural or futuristic elements at the same time.
The Man in the High Castle is an alternative history novel by Phillip K. Dick. The book can be considered “a novel within the novel,” it includes an alternative history within alternative history. For example, when “Allies defeat the Axis (though in a manner distinct from the actual historical outcome).” (Wikipedia, 2017) The book used actual events, individuals, and backgrounds under World War II; the history has been changed when we see the Nazis and Japan won the war. This is to emerge the novel as Speculative Fiction.
However, The Man in the High Castle can be considered as Science Fiction, but it is more likely a Speculative Fiction produced with Science Fiction. The novel has been perfectly underlined the flows knowledge, real life, and fantasy.
References:
The Man in the High Castle. (n,d). Retrieved September 20, 2017 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_in_the_High_Castle
The Differences between Speculative Fiction and Science Fiction. (2015). Retrieved September 20, 2017 from
http://www.spi-global.com/blog/cs-blog/the-difference-between-speculative-fiction-and-science-fiction/
pretty good answer. You don't make clear what diagram you are talking about in the first sentence, and the last little paragraph is very vague and generalised.
Delete3. What does Brown (2001) identify as the central themes and concerns of the novel? What elements conform to the wider generic features of science fiction?
ReplyDeletePhillip K. Dicks used his love of science and passion for religion to create novels such as The man in the high castle (2001) with an unfound essence. Instead of the typical science fiction novels depicting aliens and ray guns, Dicks instead explores perceived realities, I Ching and real-life characters living real lives. Through the use of metaphysics, Dick illustrates a science fiction narrative of, what if the Axis powers won world war two, this conforming with science fiction.
Dick in many ways reflected his life into his work, a device that created central themes and concerns within his novels. Dick became “obsessed with the idea that the universe was only apparently real” (Brown, 2001), this concern of illusion along with what constitutes a true and fake human may have been a contributing factor to his paranoia and anxiety, themes all present within his novel. Throughout the novel, we are presented with many ordinary people living ordinary lives in an extraordinary situation, people who Brown (2001) states were versions of real-life people Dick knew and versions of himself. These characters are intertwined and connected all playing a role in each other’s lives, some without physically meeting, such as when Tagomi indirectly sets Frank free (Dick, 2001, chap. 14), this principle of universal interconnectedness is a vital theme in the book. This theme is also shown through the use of the I Ching, the way in which and the order in which all the main characters use it. Also, the I Ching itself presenting a spiritual theme as they consult it as a tool for guidance. Racism also makes an appearance in the novel as the Germans present themselves as superior others in that world, Brown notes “the insidious nature of bigotry” (2001, p. viiii) of some characters like Lotze. For example, Lotze comments that a structure is half finished and pointless,
“Lotze said, gazing down, “as if it was designed by a Jew”” (Dick, 2001, chap. 3). This nonchalant disregard for another culture displaying the German racist attitude to other cultures and races.
The man in the high castle conforms with the wider generic features of science fiction genre. However, instead of hard science which most writers of Dicks time used for creating their science fiction, Dick uses metaphysics to form his science fiction novel, the nature of perceived reality, good vs evil and the abuse of power (Brown, 2001). By Dick creating an alternate world, what if the Axis won the war this conforms with the alternative history narrative of science fiction (Brooker & Thomas, 2009, p.23). Typically, this sub-genre of science fiction explores a particular turning point in history, in Dicks case world war two, and explore alternative possibilities (Brooker & Thomas, 2009, p.23), in this narrative the Axis powers prevailing. Another example of this is Tagomi experiencing a parallel universe where the Allies won (Dick, 2001, chap. 14) and Abendsen admitting the fictional storyline exists (Mountfort, 2006, p.9). The I Ching is another element that supports The man in the high castle being a science fiction novel. The I Ching is a form of cybertext in which an Oracle is consulted for answers. Cybertext is a feature of speculative fiction (Mountfort, 2006, p.4) which science fiction is part of.
Philip K. Dick wrote of real people with real lives, never forgetting the effect of the events he created on the people in the novel. He drew from his world, used his beliefs, chaotic and troubled life experiences to create, one of a kind, works of art. The man in a high castle’s is a Hugo award-winning narrative that creates an unorthodox display of science fiction through the use of many forms from parallel universes to the use of the I Ching, all amounting from a novel within a novel.
A very good answer. Note that the novel was published in 1962, not 2001 (a reprint).Yes, Dick created a vision of evil that was political in nature, and he was interested in the impact of ideologies on the way people think, eg Childen
DeleteHi Mike, thanks I will change this. My references are in another comment which can get confusing. I was quoting the 2001 version I read. I will re blog the edited version, thank you.
Delete3. What does Brown (2001) identify as the central themes and concerns of the novel? What elements conform to the wider generic features of science fiction?
DeletePhillip K. Dicks used his love of science and passion for religion to create novels such as The man in the high castle (1962) with an unfound essence. Instead of the typical science fiction novels depicting aliens and ray guns, Dicks instead explores perceived realities, I Ching and real-life characters living real lives. Through the use of metaphysics, Dick illustrates a science fiction narrative of, what if the Axis powers won world war two, this conforming with science fiction.
Dick in many ways reflected his life into his work, a device that created central themes and concerns within his novels. Dick became “obsessed with the idea that the universe was only apparently real” (Brown, 2001), this concern of illusion along with what constitutes a true and fake human may have been a contributing factor to his paranoia and anxiety, themes all present within his novel. Throughout the novel, we are presented with many ordinary people living ordinary lives in an extraordinary situation, people who Brown (2001) states were versions of real-life people Dick knew and versions of himself. These characters are intertwined and connected all playing a role in each other’s lives, some without physically meeting, such as when Tagomi indirectly sets Frank free (Dick, 1962, chap. 14), this principle of universal interconnectedness is a vital theme in the book. This theme is also shown through the use of the I Ching, the way in which and the order in which all the main characters use it. Also, the I Ching itself presenting a spiritual theme as they consult it as a tool for guidance. Racism also makes an appearance in the novel as the Germans present themselves as superior others in that world, Brown notes “the insidious nature of bigotry” (2001, p. viiii) of some characters like Lotze. For example, Lotze comments that a structure is half finished and pointless,
“Lotze said, gazing down, “as if it was designed by a Jew”” (Dick, 1962, chap. 3). This nonchalant disregard for another culture displaying the German racist attitude to other cultures and races.
The man in the high castle conforms with the wider generic features of science fiction genre. However, instead of hard science which most writers of Dicks time used for creating their science fiction, Dick uses metaphysics to form his science fiction novel, the nature of perceived reality, good vs evil and the abuse of power (Brown, 2001). By Dick creating an alternate world, what if the Axis won the war this conforms with the alternative history narrative of science fiction (Brooker & Thomas, 2009, p.23). Typically, this sub-genre of science fiction explores a particular turning point in history, in Dicks case world war two, and explore alternative possibilities (Brooker & Thomas, 2009, p.23), in this narrative the Axis powers prevailing. Another example of this is Tagomi experiencing a parallel universe where the Allies won (Dick, 1962, chap. 14) and Abendsen admitting the fictional storyline exists (Mountfort, 2006, p.9). The I Ching is another element that supports The man in the high castle being a science fiction novel. The I Ching is a form of cybertext in which an Oracle is consulted for answers. Cybertext is a feature of speculative fiction (Mountfort, 2006, p.4) which science fiction is part of.
Philip K. Dick wrote of real people with real lives, never forgetting the effect of the events he created on the people in the novel. He drew from his world, used his beliefs, chaotic and troubled life experiences to create, one of a kind, works of art. The man in a high castle’s is a Hugo award-winning narrative that creates an unorthodox display of science fiction through the use of many forms from parallel universes to the use of the I Ching, all amounting from a novel within a novel.
References:
DeleteBrooker, M., K., & Thomas, A. (2009). The science fiction handbook. West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
Brown, E. (2001). Introduction. In Dick, p., K. The Man in the High Castle. (p.v-xii). London: Penguin. Retrieved September 20, 2017 from https://ericbrown.co.uk/introductions/
Dick, P., K. (1962). The Man in the High Castle. United Stated: Putnam.
Mountfort, P. (2006). Oracle-text/Cybertext in Philip K. Dicks The Man in the High Castle. Conference paper, Popular Culture Association/ American Culture Association annual joint conference, Atlanta 2006.
References:
ReplyDeleteBrooker, M., K., & Thomas, A. (2009). The science fiction handbook. West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
Brown, E. (2001). Introduction. In Dick, p., K. The Man in the High Castle. (p.v-xii). London: Penguin. Retrieved September 20, 2017 from https://ericbrown.co.uk/introductions/
Dick, P., K. (2001; 1962). The Man in the High Castle. London: Penguin.
Mountfort, P. (2006). Oracle-text/Cybertext in Philip K. Dicks The Man in the High Castle. Conference paper, Popular Culture Association/ American Culture Association annual joint conference, Atlanta 2006.
Hi Bianca,
DeleteI really enjoyed your answer to this question. You highlight many important themes with Dick's novel and relate it back to it being Sci-Fi or not with well thought out reasons.
Going off Mike's comment and what you said also, Dick indeed used his books, to remember certain experiences in his life. He said the following in an interview:
"My characters are composites of what I've actually seen people do, and the only way for them to be remembered is through my books."
From the few works I have personally read/watched of Dick's I surmise his life to have had many intricate yet defining moments. I read somewhere that Dick spent time studying people in Asylums and the complexities of the human mind. This definitely comes through with his work, especially in 'Man in the High Castle' as the story is indeed about other realities but also - in my opinion - an educated view on humanity and the human mind. This is only further emphasized through the involvement of the I Ching, which brings a spiritual element to the novel.
Great work.
2) According to Mountfort (2006), what role does the I Ching have as an organisational device in the structure of Man in the High Castle? How does the use of this device illuminate the character of the novel’s protagonists?
ReplyDeleteMountfort (2006) states the Dick constructed a story using the oracle to affect a novel narrative out of the universal situations the oracle codifies. In various junctures of the novel where the characters would face a situation, Dick would in turn take his question to the I Ching. The answer – though not always clear at the time to both Dick and the character – would pave the story and its direction. The Oracle readings Dick inserted at these junctures showed the physical seams of the construction of his novel (Mountfort, 2006).
With the use of the I Ching - which Dick included in his novel to determine the event, choice or clarity for his characters - the characters in turn were given a more spiritual view as they grew individually. Julianna Frink, one of the many characters in the novel consulted the I Ching more for need of direction than for spiritual motivation. She is portrayed as uncertain and dependent, yet in the end through her actions and consultations with the I Ching, she becomes one of Dick’s most sympathized and fully-realised characters (Brown, 2001). This resulting from her question to the I Ching of why the book [The Grasshopper Lies Heavy ] was written, which the answer revealed is “Inner Truth”. Julianna comes to the realisation, and Hawthorne the author of the book unwillingly too, that the novel was the truth, revealing their ‘reality’ was fiction or in Dick’s case another dimension. This gives Julianna hope with the knowledge that there is a better reality (Campbell, 2004).
Ten oracle consultations are outlined within Man in the High Castle illuminating the subterranean fate-lines that connect characters who have never met, but whose choices and actions effect each other in concrete ways (Mountfort, 2006).
“The characters are like everything in life – as the philosophy of Tao makes clear – interconnected” (Brown, 2001).
There are many instances where the characters are unknowingly interconnected and one example of this is the final two hexagrams the I Ching gives the characters Julianna and Tagomi. Again, two characters that have never physically crossed paths but whose paths gave the same final answer. As previously explained, the last answer Julianna received was “Inner Truth”, the answer Tagomi also received when he formed the hexagram after killing the German men. At first he didn't understand the answer but after mediating on a pin that contained Wu, a source of truth itself, and traverses universes he realized the truth Julianna did too of their reality. This gives him a sense of peace and hope.
The I Ching’s inclusion in Dick’s novel only served to further distance itself from the typical novel constructs. Many find Dick’s novel to be sporadic, yet the interconnectivity of his characters has a genius formality regular novels do not. Though every important junction of this book was determined by an oracle it managed to shape the characters such as Julianna and Tagomi leaving this an open ending book, but with the thoughts of peace and hope for something better.
References:
Brown, E. (2001). Introduction. In Dick, P.K., The Man in the High Castle (p.v-xii). London: Penguin.
Campbell, L. (2004). The Man in the High Castle. Retrieved 26 October 2017 from http://www.nineroses.com/pkd/tmithcnf.html#Brief
Dick, P.K. (1962). The Man in the High Castle. London: Penguin.
Mountfort, P. (2006). Oracle-text/Cybertext in Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle. Conference paper, Popular Culture Association/ American Culture Association annual joint conference, Atlanta, 2006.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1) What is the difference in emphasis between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction? Which is The Man in the High Castle?
ReplyDelete"Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements." ("Speculative fiction", 2017). Science fiction takes technology and creates something that doesn't exist, but which may be possible based on an interpretation of science, such as travelling to the future or living in space. Speculative fiction includes a group of related fictional genres including science fiction superhero fiction, fantasy, science fantasy, horror and supernatural fiction, as well as any of these genres combined.
The Man in the High Castle can be considered a science fiction novel, but this is debatable depending on whether alternate realties is considered to be science fiction. The book begins with the typical 'what if' questions that we see in many other science fiction stories, such as 'What if time travel were real?' as in the film Back to the Future or 'What if we lived in space?' as in television series Star Trek. What if alternate realities were real? "In the alternate timeline [of Man in the High Castle], several science fiction tech advances occur: the draining of the Mediterranean, rockets as normal air travel." (Foley, 2016)
Alternate history can be considered as a sub-genre of literary fiction, science fiction, or historical fiction. It can also use motifs from any of these genres. In this case, Man in the High Castle is more science fiction rather than speculative fiction as it would fall under the category of alternate history rather than anything else and it also includes minor science fiction elements. It is important to note that Philip K Dick was primarily a science fiction writer. "Most of his stories are set in the future with superior science and technology. So his alternate history story was classed as SF, as many previous stories by various authors had been." (Williams, 2016). The Man in the High Castle had also won an award as a science fiction novel in 1977. Therefore, The Man in the High Castle is generally considered a science fiction novel cast in the form of alternate history.
References
Foley, P. (2016). Why is "The man in the high castle" considered a Sci Fi novel?. Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/Why-is-The-man-in-the-high-castle-considered-a-Sci-Fi-novel
Speculative fiction. (2017). En.wikipedia.org. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speculative_fiction#Distinguishing_science_fiction_from_other_speculative_fiction
Williams, G. (2016). Why is "The man in the high castle" considered a Sci Fi novel?. Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/Why-is-The-man-in-the-high-castle-considered-a-Sci-Fi-novel
1) What is the difference in emphasis between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction? Which is The Man in the High Castle?
ReplyDeleteNowadays scholars and critics tend to be more careful to categorise science fiction as a genre so the definition of science fiction is given through lengthy meditations in order to distinguish it from other forms of speculative fiction (Thomas, 2013). Speculative fiction could be defined as an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements, including includes the genres science fiction, fantasy, superhero fiction, science fantasy, horror and supernatural fiction, as well as their combinations (Wikipedia, 2017). As Roberts (2006, p.1) claims, science fiction is a fantastic literature which distinguishes "its fictional worlds to one degree from the world in which we actually live" and it is also a fiction of the imagination rather than related to observed reality. Attebery (1980), Le Guinn (2005) & Thomas (2013) also point out that science fiction is regarded as a branch of realism and the modern mythology and it is to extrapolate imaginatively from the world and the science that they know as well as from current trends and events to a near- future which might be half prediction and half satire.
In terms of the difference between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction, Thomas (2013) notes that science fiction represented what would really happen but speculative fiction is about things and technologies that could happen but just have not while the books were written. A book War of the Worlds represented commonly accepted thoughts about intelligent life on Mars which was speculative but was based on the science of the time, for example (Thomas, 2013). By contrast, Philip K Dick's novel The Man in the High Castle, in my opinion, could be half science fiction and half speculative fiction, mainly because Dick personally experienced and witnessed the Japanese occupation of the Western, which is a point that the stories might really happen at that moment. However, in his use of Tao, Dick suggests that "the world presented in The Man in the High Castle is an illusion" but "better worlds might exist" (Brown, 2001, p.x).
In conclusion, although there are a variety of definitions of the terms science fiction and speculative fiction, it is concluded that the most apparent difference seems to depend on whether stories would really happen or have not happened yet.
References:
Attebery, B. (1980). The Fantasy Tradition in American Literature: From Irving to Le Guinn. Bloomington: Indiana U P, 1980.
Brown, E. (2001). Introduction. In Dick, P.K., The Man in the High Castle (p. v-xii). London: Penguin.
Le Guinn, U. (2005). Plausibility in Fantasy. Retrieved from http://www.ursulakleguin.com/PlausibilityinFantasy.html
Roberts, A. (2006). Science fiction. London; New York: Routledge.
Thomas, P. L. (2013). Science fiction and speculative fiction: challenging genres. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers, [2013].
Wikipedia. (2017). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speculative_fiction#Distinguishing_science_fiction_from_other_speculative_fiction