If you have been an avid fan of books, then the term “trope” might already be familiar to you. A trope in the world of literature refers to the utilization of figurative language for artistic impact. However, it is also used to describe the typical rhetorical and literary devices and clichés that are recurring in books. These tropes can be narrowed down depending on the genre that the book belongs to, such as fantasy tropes, science fiction tropes, young adult fiction tropes, and more.
Since science fiction is one of the most popular genres, you can definitely observe the wide array of literary tropes featured in different scifi books. These aspects can either contribute to the success of the book or reduce the impact of the story. So, if you want to know more about tropes in science fiction. Then, here are the common sci-fi tropes that you should know.
Parallel Universe
It is also known as parallel world or alternate reality. This trope commonly entails the escape in one of the present alternate universe. Moreover, it is a more generic term that doesn’t entail a connection or insufficient relationship with the real world. The concept of parallel universe was primarily presented in comic books after The Flash #123 was published.
Alien Existence
The existence of aliens or extraterrestrial life forms is definitely common in science fiction. You can observe them in your favorite scifi series in both literature and big screen, such as Star Trek and Star Wars. Many sci-fi books tend to present these extraterrestrial creatures in different ways. In The Three-Boy Problem of Cixin Liu, there were killer aliens who desire to invade the planet while in Lilith’s Brood by Octavia E. Butler; there were friendly aliens who help save humans.
Advanced Technology
Many sci-fi books feature extraordinary machines that objects that contributed to the whole mood and atmosphere of the story. Some of these technological advancements are there to increase the mystery, enhance the setting, and generates emotions from the readers. Among the best examples are the electric indy cars of Madhouse Projects and the miles-length cylinder of Rendezvous with Rama.
Clones
If you are a sci-fi fan, then you may be already familiar about clones. This is one of the science fictions tropes that paved its way to reality. There are many books that show how humans, commonly the antagonists, are cloning themselves or put their minds to clones in order to live eternally. Moreover, many different types of inquiries regarding identity emerge. In Kiln People by David Brin, disposable clones were used to become substitute of the human who is feeling under the weather, e.g. not wanting to go to work.
Robots
Robots or artificial intelligence are widely used in sci-fi. They are typically used by characters for either a good or bad motive. This specific trope is already being invented in the real world to increase convenience and help people. Furthermore, they come in different forms, sizes, and abilities. Robots existing somewhere on the fictional earth don’t have the same intelligence, class, and tendency to become evil unlike their predecessors. The Fury in Two-Handed Engine by Henry Kuttner, The Iron Man in The Iron Man: A Children’s Story in Five Nights by Ted Hughes, Jenkins in City by Clifford Simak, and Otis in Indigara by Tanith Lee are some of the notable robots in science fiction.
Post-apocalypse
There are many post-apocalyptic novels in science fiction. Most of them are infused with dystopian elements making the novels more action-packed and exciting. Some tales conclude with the end of humankind while others open there. While various post-apocalyptic novels may frequently have the same feel, the literary trope serves a wide array of storytelling motive, such as to serve as awareness on our actions and to discover our human reactions in tight circumstances.
Time Travel
Travelling from one generation to another has been a defining trait of science fiction. The concept of time machine was made known by the novel of H.G. Wells titled The Time Machine. Thus, many stories opt to hand out the time travelling card in order to fix a problem, resolve an issue, gain enlightenment, and such.
Science fiction is definitely an interesting genre with various literary tropes that added to its richness. What are you waiting for? Stack your shelves with brand-new scifi books now!
Alex Writes 