Casting our problems into space: Exploring the intersection of science fiction and possible worlds theory

Simple item page
dc.contributor.advisorBusl, Gretchen Lynne
dc.contributor.advisorBender, Ashley
dc.creatorChinn, Nicole
dc.date.accessioned2020-08-20T19:56:14Z
dc.date.available2020-08-20T19:56:14Z
dc.date.created2020-08
dc.date.issued7/6/2020
dc.date.submitted20-Aug
dc.date.updated2020-08-20T19:56:14Z
dc.description.abstractScience fiction is a genre which is centered around the exploration of new or complex ideas within the unique testing landscape of the worlds imagined in these novels. Possible worlds theory is a subset of narrative theory which suggests that literature creates intentional parallels between our actual world and possible worlds through relational accessibility and the principle of minimal departure in order to allow possible worlds to comment on the actual world. This thesis argues that when read through a possible worlds theory lens, science fiction novels can work as cautionary tales by utilizing the character’s journeys for illuminating infection points for where the actual world could benefit from an alternative approach to the issues being discussed in the novel. A working definition of science fiction is created from theories by scholars such as John W. Campbell Jr., Darko Suvin, and Robert Scholes, this is then followed by explanation of possible worlds theory by theorists like David Lewis, Thomas Pavel, and Marie-Laure Ryan. After this, a throrough analysis of The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, The Left Hand of Darkness, and Parable of the Sower against possible worlds theory takes place to test my theory.
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/12450
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectPossible worlds theory
dc.subjectScience fiction
dc.subjectLe Guin
dc.subjectButler, Heinlein
dc.subjectRelational accessibility
dc.subjectPrinciple of minimal departure
dc.subjectThomas Pavel
dc.subjectDavid Lewis
dc.subjectMarie-Laure Ryan
dc.subjectUmberto Eco
dc.titleCasting our problems into space: Exploring the intersection of science fiction and possible worlds theory
dc.typeThesis
dc.type.materialtext
thesis.degree.departmentEnglish, Speech, and Foreign Languages
thesis.degree.disciplineEnglish
thesis.degree.grantorTexas Woman's University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Art

Files

Original bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
CHINN-THESIS-2020.pdf
Size:
373.14 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download

License bundle

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
LICENSE.txt
Size:
1.85 KB
Format:
Plain Text
Description:
Download
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
PROQUEST_LICENSE.txt
Size:
5.84 KB
Format:
Plain Text
Description:
Download

Collections

English, Rhetoric, & Spanish
2020 Theses and Dissertations