While searching for new books, I gravitate towards the science fiction section. On particular books found in the library, there is a "Fantasy" sticker on the spine on those in the sci-fi area. What makes these stories fantasy? Where is the boundary between science fiction and fantasy?
"It is said that science fiction and fantasy are two different things. Science fiction is the improbable made possible, and fantasy is the impossible made probable."
-Rod Serling, 1962
Here are my comparisons between the two genres:
| Science Fiction | Fantasy |
| Technology | Magic |
| Scientific | Supernatural |
| Facts in real life | Imaginary |
| Aliens | Wizards |
| Robots | Unicorns |
| Space | Middle Earth |
| A world that could be | Good vs Evil |
Science fiction offers a scientific rationale for the phenomenon. There is some kind of technology, whether it's possible or impossible in real life, that alters our known world. In Fantasy, a unicorn will just appear, and yay, that’s just the way things are. There are alternative realities and worlds, where you can live in an enchanted forest or a cursed castle. Most of the time, the conclusion of a science fiction story is a new way of doing things. In fantasy, the good, from its good vs evil theme, wins.
This started to make me think of certain story examples. Where would Star Trek and Star Wars fit in? Science fiction - Most things are based on a technology or aliens from different planets. The only thing I had a hard time accepting it is science fiction is The Force. It is a paranormal ability which is altered in a human or creature, but it could be mistaken for magic. A few other issues, such as shapeshifters not being technologically explained would be fantasy. Elements could be used in both genres. What about time travel? Science fiction. Ghosts? Gods? Fantasy.
The more I read or watch these stories, the better I can pick out which category they fall into.
Source: Difference Between Science Fiction and Fantasy, Prabhat. and updated on July 28, 2011 Articles on DifferenceBetween.net
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