The Future in Cyberpunk :: Genre Literature Science Fiction Essays Papers

The Future in CyberpunkWorks Cited MissingThe defining characteristics of the cyberpunk writing style have been debated since the beginnings of the literary movement. Some authors, classified as cyberpunk, question the very existence of this label, while others are in constant disagreement about the traits that puzzle out up the literature. Authors such as Bruce Sterling believe that cyberpunk is the integration of technology and literature in a world where the gap amongst knowledge fiction and reality is rapidly closing however, others such as Lewis Shiner have formed the opinion that this literature is merely a product of come forward culture, hence it should not have any true literary importance. Furthermore, cyberpunk is said to be the voice of the underground in modern society, and the vision of a new technological world. These theories represent the different views of the major authors in this genre, thus it becomes difficult to define a literary style from such opposing v iews. A more constructive method is to analyze the major characteristics and styles used in the stories considered as cyberpunk. The negative portrayal of the integration of technology and society is a central tenet of the literature, because it presents a pessimistic vision of scientific advancement. The genres dark tones, seen in the styles of its major authors, emphasize the subdued images throughout the futuristic fiction. The constant conflict between the individual and a technologically advanced society is a major alkali of the genre, for it stresses mans insignificance. These characteristics are interwoven into the fabric of cyberpunk and form a bleak image of science fiction and the future.The issue of technology and its integration into society is a major pillar of most science fiction however, it is not an requisite feature of cyberpunk. The concepts of cyberpunk literature are futuristic, but technology is not prevalent in the literature. In Rock On synthesizers, spec ial effects, lasers, and other virtual(prenominal) objects bring forth images of the future and technology. But the major theme revolves around the fact that the main character is trapped in the constructs of this world. Another example is seen in The Girl Who Was Plugged In, because the author took much care in trying to explain the possible scientific advances, yet again the major theme in the story is the characters struggle to find her individuality amongst the technology. Much of science fiction is about how the individual uses the technology to overcome the problems that confront him, conversely in the realm of cyberpunk the characters individuality is in conflict with the impersonalness of technology.