A few weeks ago, a heated debate broke out in Dr. Barham’s Introduction to Literary Studies class: Are the Star Wars movies fantasy or science fiction?
Some students pointed to the spaceships, laser guns and high-tech droids as evidence that it is science fiction. Others claimed that Star Wars is fantasy because of the Force—something that we might call magic.
When I think of science fiction, I think of spaceships or time machines. Science fiction is often set in the future and involves technology that is different from our own. Fantasy, on the other hand, brings to mind magic and strange beasts. There are often epic quests spurred on by the need to save the world. These elements, however, are not all found in every sci-fi or fantasy story and do not provide a clear answer.
In an attempt for a simple explanation, I might say that science fiction stories are about things that could happen, while fantasy stories include elements that are impossible. Using this definition, some stories fall obviously into one category or the other. Tolkein’s “The Lord of the Rings” is fantasy. It is set in an entirely different world which has no connection to our own. “Iron-man” is science fiction. While it has not yet happened, it is possible that a technology similar to the iron man suits could be invented.
This way of thinking about the difference between the two genres leads to some confusion, though. What about “Dune” by Frank Herbert? It is set in space, with more advanced technology than we have; however, it is unclear whether or not the planets in the novel are in the same universe as Earth. It also has characters who see prophetic visions, which is a common theme in fantasy. The element of the supernatural often muddies the water between fantasy and science fiction.
Another example, C. S. Lewis’ book “Perelandra” features a man who visits Venus—a real planet that exists in our solar system. He is taken there by an Elendil—which is Lewis’ word for an angel. This element of the story might lead some to claim it as fantasy. However, Lewis believed in angels, so in a sense he must have believed that what he wrote was possible, if unlikely. So, is his book science fiction? Lewis’ book is somewhat of an outlier in both genres and perhaps does not really fit into either.
“But,” you ask, “how can I win an argument in class over whether or not Star Wars is fantasy?”
In this case, I have an answer for you.
As it turns out, the Force is explained as a natural part of the universe: midi-chlorians, which are living creatures. Therefore, Star Wars is best defined as science fiction. Although highly improbable, and to earth-bound viewers maybe even impossible, the events of Star-Wars are explained scientifically. (With the caveat that I do not pretend to know what happened in the most recent trilogy at all. Disregard that for the sake of this argument, and focus on Episodes 1-6.)
“But,” you ask again, “what about other books and movies? You never gave me a hard and fast definition to go by!”
And to that I say, maybe there isn’t one. Is there magic or a different world than ours? Probably fantasy. Are there robots and advanced technology? Probably science fiction. Are there supernatural beings and unexplained miracles? Could go either way.
In the end, there are so many different factors to each genre that it is impossible to distill them to a simple, one sentence explanation. Those of you who like to argue—rejoice! The debate will continue to infinity and beyond. (By the way, “Toy Story” … no “magic,” but that’s fantasy, right?)