From Dystopia to Steampunk
A brief look into the subgenres of science fiction
Science fiction is undoubtedly one of my favorite book and movie genres. There is a vast amount of possibilities within the realm of science fiction. I think I’ve always loved the genre even as a kid. I just didn’t realize it.
Science fiction is filled with many unfathomable concepts that are unleashed from the vivid imagination of the writer. Even so, the writer still has to make what happens in their sci- fi believable.
As with every genre out there, science fiction, as vast in theme as it is, has its own many subgenres.
Here are just a few of the most popular and commonly used ones:
Hard Science Fiction
In hard science fiction, scientific detail and accuracy is the key focus of the story. The goal of hard science fiction is to make the story believable and as true to science as possible.
An example of hard science fiction would be the novel, The Martian (2014) by Andy Weir.
Soft Science Fiction
Unlike with hard science fiction, being scientifically accurate isn’t really the focus here. Rather, the main focus is on the story itself and its characters. Why is this happening? In another aspect, it’s main focus can also be on the society that exists within the story and how it operates.
An example of soft science fiction would be The Star Wars Franchise.
Dystopian Science Fiction
Dystopian science fiction speculates a futuristic world in which extreme negative occurrences such as oppression, the down fall of society, and technological control happen. In a dystopian, society is in decline and people, in some way, are controlled.
An example of a dystopian would be the novel, Ready Player One (2011) by Ernest Cline.
Utopia Science Fiction
This genre is the opposite of a dystopian. A Utopia Science fiction speculates on the extreme positives of a “perfect world” in a futuristic society.
An example of a Utopia would be the novel, Brave New World (1932) by Aldous Huxley. This novel makes one deeply question the concept of utopia.
Based on perspective, it should be noted that Brave New World could also be viewed as a dystopian.
Steampunk
Steampunk is a very unique and interesting subgenre of science fiction because it blends two worlds into one. Steampunk uses retro-futuristic technology by crossing the 19th-century industrial era with futuristic elements.
Hence its name, it is inspired by machinery powered by steam. In steampunk, steam remains the dominant source of power.
Reading steampunk is reading about an alternative world in the 19th century.
An example of steampunk would be the classic sci-fi novel, The Time Machine (1895) by H.G. Wells.
Cyberpunk
Set in a dystopian setting, this subgenre focuses on a futuristic society in which computer technology is dominant and in control. Cyberpunk deals with the conflict between the outsider or average people in society and the oppressor. For example, the oppressor could be a threatening and controlling government or mega-corporation. The oppressor controls society using cyber technology.
An example of cyberpunk would be the Ridley Scott film, Bladerunner (1982)
Space Opera
This subgenre of science fiction, as hinted by its name, takes place in outer space or in a distant world such as another galaxy. It involves topics such as space travel, a space colony or civilization, galactic battles, and other awesome adventures in space travel.
An example of a space opera would be the novel, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979) by Douglas Adams.
Military Science Fiction
Quite similar to space opera, military science fiction involves the use of futuristic technologies in warfare and other military purposes. Such technology in a military sci-fi include weapons, vehicles such as space ships, and any other tools used for combat, destruction, and general warfare and military use.
An example of a military science fiction would be the novel, Ender’s Game (1985) by Orson Scott Card.
Robot Science Fiction
This genre of science fiction focuses on the existence of robots and even dives deeper into the conflict of their existence. A popular theme of robot science fiction is how technology involving robots can backfire and have serious consequences for the future of humanity.
Robot science fiction deeply questions the use of artificial intelligence (A.I) and the idea that such technology could become so advanced as to surpass human intelligence.
An example of robot science fiction would be I Robot (2004) starring Will Smith.
Again, these are just some of the many subgenres of science fiction. Do you like reading and/or writing sci-fi? What is your favorite subgenre of science fiction?
Sources:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-dystopian-fiction-learn-about-the-5-characteristics-of-dystopian-fiction-with-examples
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steampunk
https://www.neondystopia.com/what-is-cyberpunk/
About the Creator
Jasmine Aguilar
Fascinated by pop culture and its effect on society... movies, music, books.. and pretty much anything.
I love writing and write a little bit of everything including a science fiction WIP!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/J.A.Rose
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