War Of The World By Wells Essay, Research Paper

In the society today, it is very common for one to spend his or her time

reading. In those types of readings, science fiction stories are one of the most

common readings among many people. Science fiction, unlike any other literature,

has very unique characteristics. The definition of science fiction is ?fiction

dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or

individuals having a science factor as an essential orienting component.?

(Webster?s Pg 1045) This means science fiction stories are based on dreams,

hopes and fears of people in the society. Science fiction stories are

characterized by the styles and methods. One of the most common methods of

science fiction is prophetic extrapolation. Prophetic extrapolation is passages

that science fiction writers focus on the ? development of science?(Science

fiction III, Pg X) instead of ?science of today,?(Science fiction III, Pg X)

such as sociology, biology, psychology or any kind of science. Prophetic

extrapolation is the most important element of science fiction stories. It is

what makes science fiction. The story of The War Of The World, by H. G. Wells,

is a classical example of a science fiction story. Wells uses his imagination

and the creativity to create the conflict between Earth and Mars. In the story,

he introduces unknown creatures and the machines by using prophetic

extrapolation. For examples, first, in the passage from chapter two he explains

Martian?s star ship. He writes, ? The uncovered part had the appearance of a

huge cylinder, caked over and its out-line softened thick scaly dun-colored

incrustation.? (The War Of The World, Pg 11) Wells create the star ship from

his imagination and able to give readers a good image that it is something round

object by the word choices. Second example is from chapter three, where Wells

explain the appearance of Martians. In the passage he explains, ?Two large

dark-colored eyes were reading me steadfastly. The mass that framed them, the

head of the thing was round, and had, one might say, face. There was a mouth

under the eyes, the lipless brim of which quivered and panted, and dropped

saliva. The whole creature heaved and pulsated convulsively.? (The War Of The

World, Pg 21) From this passage, because his well explanation, readers could

receive unpleasant image of how Martian looks like. Last example is from the

passage about heat ray in chapter five. It said, ?Suddenly there was a flash

of light, and a quantity of luminous greenish smoke came out of the pit in three

distinct puffs, which drove up, one after the other, straight into the still

air.? (The War Of The World, Pg25) Wells vividly explains what took main

character by surprised as if it really happened. As a reader, one is aware that

these things do not exist. However, as a interesting point, although none of

these things exist in the real world, it seems as if these creations exist for

readers. It is because Wells? well use of prophetic extrapolation. When Wells

explains about his creations from imagination, he gives examples based on the

facts of society or science. It makes easer for readers to relate to the story.

Because of Wells? examples, imaginations of the story become live and vivid

and realistic. In the story of The War Of The World, by H. G. Wells, prophetic

extrapolation was used well, and that is what made this story wonderful and

exciting. There are many different types of science fiction writers today. They

all have different styles or methods in each story. However, all the science

fiction writers have one thing in common. . It is called prophetic

extrapolation. Many science fiction writers use their imaginations, creativities

and use ?number of different sources and apply in a number of fields? (Hand

Out. Pg X) to make dreams, hopes, and fears come true in the stories. It is

truly the unique characteristics of science fiction.

1. James Gun. Science Fiction Volume 3. eds White Wolf Publishing. Clarkson,

GA: 2. Webster, Merriam. Webster?s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition.

Springfield MA:1996. 3. Wells H. G. The War Of The World Tom Doherty Associates,

Inc. 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010: 1988.