The Evolution of Science Fiction Essay -- Literature

Despite decades between their writings, the similarities between H.G. Wells and P.K. Dick are numerous and include the fact that both authors were far ahead of their time, had aspirations regarding the universe and a future electronic era to come, had a theme revolving around a distant planet, and challenged humanity. Both science fiction authors were beyond their time. Wells had the capability of â€Å"lifting up our fathers’ hearts with hopes, exciting them with the feeling that a new world was at the point of being born and they were to inherit itâ€Å" (Dickson 17). Throughout all of his works, P.K. Dick â€Å"focused on conveying the truth of his many-faceted visions without regard for critical expectations and genre conventions† (Mackey 128). It is said that â€Å"knowledge of Dick’s biography is essential to an understanding of his work† (Umland 2). This too is similar to Wells. Both authors led fascinating lives and each found their own unique wa y to incorporate their events and interest into their works as demonstrated by their various novels and short stories. In order to fully understand each authors views, style, and most importantly to establish ethos, one must first understand the authors life. Dick and Wells were greatly influenced by the world around them. Whether it be obvious or not, Dick included his life experiences into his books. He also included many of his own personal interest into the book. Wells writings were mostly influenced by his own views, opinions, and interest. It is easy to assume that a book was written simply off a good idea however, there is often more to it. An underlying interest, an attempted degree, an unexpected adventure. In 1949, Dick began studying philosophy at the University of California Berkley (1... ...rld, there is power in numbers and we have the ability to lead future generations further, not only into the science fiction world, but science itself. Despite nearly three quarters of a century between their writings, the ideas these two magnificent authors had were similar in many ways. They both challenged science and society to their limits. Works Cited Dick, Philip K. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. New York: Random House, 1968. Print. Dickson, Lovat. H. G. Wells: His Turbulent Life and Times. New York: Lovat Dickson (?), 1969. Print. Mackey, Douglas A. Philip K. Dick. Massachusetts: Twayne, 1988. Print Wells, H. G. â€Å"A Story of the Days to Come.† 28 Science Fiction Stories. New York: Dover, 1952. 730-820. Priint. Wells, H. G. â€Å"The Time Machine.† The Complete Short Stories of H. G. Wells. London: Ernest Benn Limited, 1966. 9-91. Print.