Week Seven - Science Fiction I

What is the difference in emphasis between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction? What is High Castle?

According to Wikipedia (2010), it suggests that Science Fiction is a “genre of fiction dealing with the impact of imagined innovation in science or technology, often in a futuristic setting. It differs from fantasy in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established laws or nature (though some elements in a story may be still pure speculation)”.

Some very stereotypical but probably very truthful settings for SF include:

• Set in the future, outer space, in alternative timelines, other worlds possibly involving aliens.

• Involve technology or scientific principles.

• Involves discovery or application of new scientific principles e.g. Time travel.

• Involves new/different political or/and social systems such as dystopia.

On the other hand, Speculative Fiction can be defined as “an umbrella term encompassing the more highly imaginative fiction genres, specifically including science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction and alternate history.” Wikipedia (2010).

Personally I believe that High castle falls under the Speculative Fiction Category, although I guess it could fall under either. High Castle involves science fiction ideas but also has a lot of history behind it such as WWII etc. It is also set on Earth and the characters are very much human to me. It involves less scientific principles and reflects more on the historical side of the I Ching, referencing more history that science. Also, the story is set in the present time (back when the war had just ended) and Science Fiction is generally set in the future. It is these basic distinctions which have lead me to believe that High Castle is a Speculative Fiction.

According to Mountfort (2006), what role does the I Ching have as an organisational device in the structure of High Castle?

Mountfort starts his text with a quote from Dick himself referring to the role of the I Ching as an organisational device. “I’ve used it to develop the direction of a novel.” Mountfort (2006, p. 3).

Throughout the novel ‘High Castle’, there are a large number of references to the I Ching. The story is set around the I Ching in a sense, giving it a significant role in the story. For example, the I Ching is described by Mountfort as something which can “show the physical seams of the construction of Dick’s novel, constitute its central organisational device, and function as his meta-narrative.” Mountfort (2006, p. 5). It kind of gives the story something to be structured around as well as a central focal point of the story. It links the characters and the events which take place within ‘High Castle’ and ties everything up nicely as it is used as a common and recurring ‘symbol/idea’ throughout the text.

Another interesting point regarding how the I Ching was used as an organisational tool was “regarding the situations his characters faced; how they should interpret events, what they should do next, and what the result would be.” Mountfort (2006, p. 5). In the first chapter when Frank Frink consults the I Ching, it answers his questions about his ex-wife and also his job. Yet it is kind of a funny device as it doesn’t give him a direct answer but merely, like the story suggests councils him and his decisions. “Hexagram Fifteen. Ch'ien. Modesty. Ah. The low will be raised up, the high brought down, powerful families humbled; he did not have to refer to the text — he knew it by heart. A good omen. The oracle was giving him favourable council.” Dick (2001, p. 10). It is used as a tool by the characters within ‘High Castle’ to pretty much guide their decisions and is therefore also used as an organisational tool throughout the story as it makes the characters and events which take place relative to one another.




Reference List

Brown, E. (2001). Introduction. In Dick, P.K., The Man in the High Castle (p.v-xii). London: Penguin.

Dick, P.K. (2001; 1962). The Man in the High Castle. London: Penguin.

Mountfort, P. (2006). Oracle-text/Cybertext in Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle. Conference paper, Popular Culture Association/ American Culture Association annual joint conference, Atlanta, 2006.