The 'end of time fiction' reflects human fears in multiple ways. Firstly, there is the fear of powerlessness. In a lot of these stories, like 'The Day After Tomorrow', humans are at the mercy of natural disasters and can't do much to stop the end. Secondly, there is the fear of isolation. In many post - apocalyptic stories, such as 'I Am Legend', the main character is alone in a world that has changed beyond recognition. And finally, there is the fear of a loss of purpose. In 'Planet of the Apes' (the original), the discovery that humans have been replaced shows how our sense of purpose can be shattered when the world as we know it ends.
It reflects human fears directly. For example, in many end - of - time fictions, the fear of environmental collapse is shown. We see desolate landscapes and a lack of resources, like in 'Wall - E' where Earth has become a huge garbage dump. Also, the fear of losing our humanity is common. In 'The Walking Dead', people have to fight not just zombies but also their own moral decay in a post - apocalyptic world.
The fear of technology going out of control is often reflected. For example, in stories about rogue artificial intelligence. But there are also hopes, like the hope for a better future through scientific discovery as seen in many utopian sci - fi settings.
It reflects our fears of being replaced by robots. In many robot science fictions, humans are shown to be made redundant by more intelligent robots. But it also shows our hopes. For example, the hope that robots can help us in dangerous tasks like exploring outer space or handling hazardous materials.
It reflects the fear of loss of control. A woman having alien eggs laid in her means her body is no longer under her own control. This taps into the deep - seated human fear of being helpless.
When aliens are the wise beings, it shows our hope for guidance and advanced knowledge. We hope there is something out there that can help us solve our problems. Well, in science fiction, these alien mentors can offer solutions that we might not be able to come up with on our own. They can introduce new ways of thinking about science, society, and even morality. It's like we're looking for a shortcut to a better future through these fictional alien characters.
Man made monster stories often reflect human fears of the unknown. When we create something new, like in the story of Frankenstein, we fear it getting out of control. It shows our worry about the consequences of our own creations, especially when we push the boundaries of science and technology.
Survivor fiction reflects human nature by showing our resilience. When faced with extreme situations in these stories, characters find ways to keep going. It also shows our adaptability. Humans can adjust to new and difficult circumstances, like the characters who learn to hunt or build shelters in survivor fiction.
Simple. It shows our fear of losing control. In a lot of these fictions, there's often a powerful entity, like a big corporation or a totalitarian government, that controls people's lives. This reflects our worry in real life about who holds power and how it's used.
Dystopian fiction in the Chicago Reader can be a mirror of modern society's fears. For instance, the fear of a health crisis is sometimes shown in stories where a plague or a disease has ravaged society. It also reflects the fear of a breakdown of moral values. In some dystopias, there are no more ethical boundaries and people do things that are completely against what we consider right in our current society. Moreover, the fear of being dominated by a powerful entity, whether it be a government or a corporation, is a common theme that is reflected in many dystopian works.
In '1984', Orwell was reflecting the fear of totalitarian regimes that were emerging in the mid - 20th century. The constant surveillance and control in the novel were his concerns about the abuse of power. 'Brave New World' showed the fear of a society losing its humanity due to over - reliance on technology and scientific manipulation. Huxley was worried about a world where people were no longer truly individuals.
In many stories, man - made monsters represent the fear of losing our humanity. When we create something that is part human or mimics human life but lacks true emotions or a moral compass, like some robotic or re - animated monsters in stories, it makes us worry about how we define ourselves as humans. Are we just a collection of parts or a set of programmed behaviors? These man - made monsters force us to confront these deep - seated fears.