Researching about Jon Hassell's background and his previous works can help. Also, reading reviews or analyses about 'city works of fiction' can give insights. Maybe there are certain themes or motifs that are common in his work, and understanding those can make it easier to understand this particular piece. Additionally, trying to visualize the 'fictional city' while listening can enhance the understanding.
One can start by listening to it multiple times. Pay attention to the different sounds, melodies, and rhythms.
It could be special in its unique musical or artistic concept. Maybe it combines different musical elements in a novel way, creating a distinct sonic landscape that is both engaging and thought - provoking.
One way to understand it is to break it down. 'Fantastic' usually implies something extraordinary or imaginative. And 'fiction' is made - up stories. So perhaps it means a type of fiction that is highly imaginative.
Read it slowly. Complex fiction often contains a lot of details and nuances that can be easily missed if you read too quickly. Take your time to digest each scene and how it relates to the overall story.
One way to understand the word fiction better is to study its elements. Fiction usually has characters, a plot, a setting, and a theme. Analyzing these elements in various fictional texts can help. Also, looking at how different authors use language to create fictional worlds and tell their stories is important. For instance, some authors use vivid descriptions to make the fictional settings seem real.
Watch it multiple times. The first time you might be a bit confused by the non - linear order. But as you watch it again, you start to notice how the different scenes connect. For example, the way characters are introduced in one scene and then their actions in another scene that seems to be at a different time actually fit together in the overall story.
Read a wide variety of science - fiction works. Start from the classics like Isaac Asimov's books to modern bestsellers. By experiencing different stories, you'll start to see patterns and elements that are common in the'map of science fiction'.
Look for any context related to it. If it's from a particular author, study their other works and see if there are any recurring themes or styles. Maybe it's part of a series or a collection. Also, check if there are any reviews or discussions about it online. If it's a new or emerging concept, there might be early adopters or enthusiasts talking about it on science fiction forums or social media groups. They could provide insights into what it means and how to approach it.
One way to understand the purpose of short fiction better is to engage in discussions with other readers or in a book club. Different people may have different interpretations of the purpose of a particular short story. Hearing their views can expand your own understanding. Another approach is to look at the author's background. If an author has had a particular life experience, it may be reflected in the purpose of their short stories. For example, an author who has experienced poverty may write short stories with the purpose of highlighting the struggles of the poor. Additionally, consider the ending of the short story. A happy ending might suggest a purpose of providing hope or a sense of satisfaction, while a sad or open - ended one could have different implications such as making the reader think more deeply about the situation presented in the story.
One way to understand the tenets better is to study the history of science fiction. See how the genre has evolved over time. Early science fiction was often more focused on adventure in outer space, but as time passed, more complex tenets like the exploration of human nature in a technological world emerged. Another approach is to join science fiction discussion groups. There, people will share their insights on the tenets they've noticed in different works.
Read a lot of pulp fiction works. Start with the well - known ones. This will give you a sense of the common themes, like crime, adventure, and romance that are often found in pulp fiction. You'll also notice the writing styles, which are usually straightforward and action - packed.