Classic Science Fiction Literature Background Questions

Classic Science Fiction Literature Name:__________________
Global Literature: Europe Unit

Please refer to the “The Future Future” section and answer the following questions:

1. In the Victorian Age, what were people most curious about regarding science?



2. In the 19th century, what question were the Verian writers (those most like Jules Verne) pondering?



3. What question were the Wellsian writers (those most like H.G. Wells) considering?



4. What two world events had the greatest impact on science fiction literature and how did they impact this genre?

Event one - Impact –



Event two - Impact –




5.. What was Jules Verne’s main interest? What did he ignore in his writing?




6. What was H.G. Wells’ main interest? What was his weakness as a writer?



7. What was Hugo Gernsback’s opinion of machines?




8. What did John W. Campbell believe was the purpose of science fiction?



Now complete the chart using the other sections of the history. Please note that most of the information you need can be found in the first or last page of each section. For each of the following eras of science fiction, please do the following:
1. List the years for this era
2. Name one important writer and one thing he/she accomplished during this time
3. One event that affected the literature
4. Answer any additional questions in the 3rd column
Writer &
Years Accomplishment Event

Wood & Feathers
Millenniums:



What’s considered the earliest ‘genuine science fiction story’?





Iron Age:





The Steel Generation:



What’s a pulp?



The Silver Years:




The Golden Years:




The Uranium Decade:





The Plastic Zenith:





Isotopic Moments:




What is fandom?




What two (2) things make up the literature of the young?




The Alloy Now: