LMST 345 _Topic: Literary Speculation_A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
LMST 345
Topic: Literary Speculation
Read: A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Q. Discuss this question in relation to the work(s) you read for this week. Do you think this is an important or necessary distinction, or not?
When distinguishing works of science fiction from other works of similar genres such as fantasy, it is important to analyze the different components of the story. The science fiction genre deals specifically with scenarios and technology that are possible or may be possible based on scientific speculation. This is in contrast with fantasy, which generally has themes of mythological, supernatural or magical occurrences that have to the foundation in science. A clear example would be zombies versus mermaids: a zombie apocalypse - according to science, is an occurrence that is extreme but not impossible, unlike more imaginative experiences like swimming in the ocean alongside a mermaid. Surprisingly, though in plain terms the genres have obvious differences, the distinctions between science fiction and fantasy become blurred in the midst of developing a well-rounded story.
In regards to the 1962 dystopian-satirical black comedy novel, A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, the story follows the experiences of a 15-year-old boy involved in the youth subculture of extreme violence. In the novel, Burgess introduces something called the “Ludovico Technique”. This technique is a science-fictional process which claims to achieve control over human behavior through drug-induced aversion therapy, in which the test subject is subconsciously forced to experience crippling physiological distress upon being exposed to internal/external violence. Seeming far fetched at the time, this fictional technique can be compared to some behavioral psychology techniques actually carried out in history such as electro-shock therapy. None the less, the plot of the story was highly influenced by this scientific experiment, in my opinion, qualifying A Clockwork Orange as a part of the science fiction.
The distinction between genres is important to understand as a reader because the genre determines the foundation for the author’s ideas, whether they are scientifically probable or completely imaginative.
When distinguishing works of science fiction from other works of similar genres such as fantasy, it is important to analyze the different components of the story. The science fiction genre deals specifically with scenarios and technology that are possible or may be possible based on scientific speculation. This is in contrast with fantasy, which generally has themes of mythological, supernatural or magical occurrences that have to the foundation in science. A clear example would be zombies versus mermaids: a zombie apocalypse - according to science, is an occurrence that is extreme but not impossible, unlike more imaginative experiences like swimming in the ocean alongside a mermaid. Surprisingly, though in plain terms the genres have obvious differences, the distinctions between science fiction and fantasy become blurred in the midst of developing a well-rounded story.
In regards to the 1962 dystopian-satirical black comedy novel, A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, the story follows the experiences of a 15-year-old boy involved in the youth subculture of extreme violence. In the novel, Burgess introduces something called the “Ludovico Technique”. This technique is a science-fictional process which claims to achieve control over human behavior through drug-induced aversion therapy, in which the test subject is subconsciously forced to experience crippling physiological distress upon being exposed to internal/external violence. Seeming far fetched at the time, this fictional technique can be compared to some behavioral psychology techniques actually carried out in history such as electro-shock therapy. None the less, the plot of the story was highly influenced by this scientific experiment, in my opinion, qualifying A Clockwork Orange as a part of the science fiction.
The distinction between genres is important to understand as a reader because the genre determines the foundation for the author’s ideas, whether they are scientifically probable or completely imaginative.
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