Character motivation can be a big difference too. In traditional science fiction, characters usually have clear goals related to scientific discovery or survival in a new world. In absurdist science fiction, characters might be driven by more abstract or even unknowable forces. They might be caught up in a situation where the very concept of what they should do is as absurd as the world around them. For example, a character might be trying to solve a mystery that has no real solution or a purpose that is beyond their comprehension.
The new absurdist science fiction also tends to have a more surreal feel. Traditional science fiction might focus on a more linear progression of technology or exploration. However, the new absurdist kind might have multiple layers of reality that are constantly shifting. For instance, characters might find themselves in a world where the laws of physics change randomly. It's a wild departure from the more stable worlds often presented in traditional science fiction.
Traditional science fiction usually has a more linear narrative structure and a clear set of rules for its fictional world. In contrast, best absurdist science fiction can have a very fragmented or non - linear narrative. Take 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace. It's part absurdist, part science - fiction. The narrative jumps around, and there are these strange future elements like the Year of the Depend Adult Undergarment. It's not as concerned with making the science - fiction elements fit neatly into a traditional framework as traditional sci - fi would be.
New catholic science fiction often incorporates Catholic theology and values. For example, it may explore concepts like sin, redemption, and the nature of God in a science - fiction context. Traditional science fiction might not touch on these religious aspects.
Verge new science fiction might be more experimental. Traditional science fiction often follows certain well - known tropes, like the hero's journey in a space - based adventure. Verge new science fiction could break away from these and explore more abstract concepts, like the nature of time in a non - linear way.
The difference lies in the scope and nature of extrapolation. New wave science fiction extrapolates not just technological advancements but also cultural and social changes. It may take a current cultural trend, like the rise of social media, and extrapolate it to a future where communication has evolved in a very different way. Traditional science fiction, on the other hand, might be more centered around extrapolating scientific theories. For instance, it might extrapolate Einstein's relativity to create a story about interstellar travel. New wave is broader in its approach to extrapolation.
Libertarian science fiction often emphasizes individual freedom, limited government, and free - market principles more than traditional science fiction. For example, in traditional SF, the focus might be on technology or alien encounters. But in libertarian SF, like 'The Moon is a Harsh Mistress', the story is centered around the colonists' fight for self - governance and freedom from Earth's control.
Pagan science fiction often includes elements from pagan religions. Traditional science fiction usually focuses on scientific concepts like space travel, alien life, etc. Pagan science fiction may have characters that are influenced by pagan deities or follow pagan - inspired moral codes.
Well, psychological science fiction is centered around the psychological aspects of the characters. It could show how a person copes with a strange new world in terms of their mental and emotional states. It might look at things like identity crises, psychological traumas, and the impact of isolation. Traditional science fiction is more about the overall concept of science and technology. It's about things like spaceships, interstellar travel, and scientific discoveries. For example, a psychological science - fiction story might be about a clone struggling with its sense of self, while a traditional science - fiction story could be about a race to colonize a new planet.
Musical science fiction incorporates music as an essential element. Traditional science fiction may focus more on the technological or scientific concepts. In musical science fiction, the music can be used to convey emotions, like in 'Blade Runner' where the moody music adds to the overall atmosphere of a dystopian future.
In berserker science fiction, the technology or the 'berserker' entity is usually central to the plot. It's about how this entity operates, how it was created (if that's explored), and how it can be defeated. Traditional science fiction can have a broader focus on things like social change due to technological advancements, exploration of new worlds, or the evolution of human nature in a technological context. So, while both have elements of science and technology, their core focuses can be quite different.
Romantic science fiction focuses more on relationships and emotions. Traditional science fiction often emphasizes scientific concepts, like new technologies or alien species. For example, in traditional science - fiction like '2001: A Space Odyssey', it's about the exploration of space and the mystery of the monolith. But in romantic science - fiction like 'The Time Traveler's Wife', the time - travel is more a backdrop for the love story. So, the main difference is the emphasis on the emotional and relationship aspects in romantic science - fiction.