Important Literary Milestones in Science Fiction

In a world where superhero movies and TV shows crop up every couple of months, there’s no denying the presence and prowess of the science fiction genre. It’s evolved over the centuries, generating dozens of subgenres and shifting to match each era’s social climate. Readers and writers alike flock to science fiction for intrigue, wonderment, and entertainment, and often leave with some nuanced social commentary for good measure.

Taking a look back at how the genre came to be can help us understand what defines the genre, and where it could end up. Here’s some literature that provided significant contributions to science fiction, in chronological order.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: The First Science Fiction Novel
Starting with the mother of science fiction herself, Mary Shelley wrote the one that started it all at the age of 20. Now, after numerous adaptations (on paper and on screen), Frankenstein remains one of the most prominent pieces of literature of her time. A catalyst for science fiction and horror, Frankenstein asks questions such as “what makes us human” and “what does it mean to be alive”?

The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells: The First Alien Invasion Book
Where would science fiction be without aliens from outer space? H. G. Wells wrote this novel in 1897. Serialized in magazines upon first publication, The War of the Worlds would gain further infamy when a radio dramatization aired in 1938. As legend has it, the radio drama frightened the public so much that many citizens believed it to be real. Since then, aliens and outer space have been a staple of science fiction.

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka: Solidifying the Weird
Science fiction features all kinds of what-ifs. The Metamorphosis highlights a rather simple concept: what if a man woke up as a cockroach? Franz Kafka’s 1915 novella questions humanity, but also embraces the weirdness of science fiction. It sort of provided permission to make silly little stories acceptable, and showed that ridiculous concepts still contribute to literature.

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin: The Dystopian Grandfather
This Russian novel was actually published in English before it was published in Zamyatin’s native tongue. Written from 1920 to 1921, We predates other dystopian novels such as George Orwell’s 1984 or Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. Ushering in tropes such as authoritarian governments assigning people numbers instead of names, We postulates the nature of the soul and our identities as individuals. 

Gladiator by Philip Wylie: The Superhero Catalyst
Written in 1930, Philip Wylie’s Gladiator allegedly inspired Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel to create Superman. This novel tells the tale of a scientist who creates, essentially, a “super serum”. The “alkaline free-radical” concoction increases the strength and jumping abilities of man tenfold. This hits on a few superhero tropes: science based powers, superhuman strength, and the idea of a bigger, better humankind capable of performing extraordinary feats.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler: Promoting Afrofuturism
Since her literary debut, Octavia Butler’s novels continuously upended the white male dominated narratives. Afrofuturism explores the combination of African cultures with science and technology, connecting the diaspora with the future. Butler’s works popularized Afrofuturism, with Parable of the Sower serving as one of her most notable works. In a post-apocalyptic dystopian world, young Laura Olemina navigates a harsh world designed to destroy. Questioning capitalism and religion, Parable of the Sower contributed greatly to modern science fiction and elevated the genre.

​Ian Hebeisen

is a writer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Graduating in May 2020 with a degree in English Literature with a Writing Emphasis, Ian writes comics, poetry, and scripts. He is currently an intern for The Brain Health Magazine and aims to work in the comic publishing industry. In his spare time, Ian plays Dungeons & Dragons, board games, and bass guitar. 

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