Alien Theory: The Alien as Archetype in the Science Fiction Short Story

by Patricia Monk

Overview

From the early days of pulp magazines to contemporary works of science fiction, the subject of the alien has been a fertile and enduring—if not also the most vital—element of the genre. In Alien Theory, author Patricia Monk asserts that the creation of the alien in short fiction contributes substantially to humanity's understanding of its present status and future potential in the universe. By employing a Jungian and archetypal approach to these stories, Monk attempts to direct the attention of readers to the significance of the vast body of imaginative fiction about the alien, arguing that studying the alien will reveal why this archetype is necessary in the development of humanity's understanding of its own intrinsic nature as a sapient being.

When a science fiction writer writes about aliens, Monk asserts, he or she is saying something that can—and should—be taken seriously by readers. Furthermore, it is being expressed in a particular story-telling mode that deserves to be treated with respect. By discussing the creation of the form of the science-fictional alien, its psyche and the context in which aliens and humans interact, Monk brings into focus a topic that has not been given the rightful discussion it deserves.

In addition to examining the alien in the science fiction short story, novella, and novelette, Monk evaluates its role in pre-postmodernist and postmodernist criticism and theory. The author also draws on relevant writings by editors, writers, and fans—including editorial letter columns and reviews—to place the stories in the context of science fiction. By drawing on all of these sources, Alien Theory brings into focus a topic that will be of interest not only to academics and students, but also to the general reader.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810857469
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	06/15/2006
Pages:	424
Product dimensions:	6.64(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.22(d)

About the Author

Patricia Monk taught in the English Department at Dalhousie University in Halifax , Nova Scotia, where she specialized in Canadian literature and science fiction, before retiring in 2003. She is the author of three books: Mud and Magic Shows: Robertson Davies's Fifth Business (1992), The Gilded Beaver: An Introduction to the Life and Work of James De Mille (1991), and The Smaller Infinity: Jungian Self in the Novels of Robertson Davies (1982).

Table of Contents

Part 1 List of Abbreviations Part 2 Preface Part 3 Acknowledgments Part 4 Introduction: Theorizing OtherSelfness Part 5 PART I: Conceiving the Alien Chapter 6 1. Who Goes There? The Concept of the Extraterrestrial Alien since Darwin Chapter 7 2. Nailing Jelly to a Tree: Theorizing the Alien Part 8 PART II: Writing the Alien Chapter 9 3. A Question of Shape: Alien Form Chapter 10 4. The Thought That Counts: The Alien Psyche Chapter 11 5. Sleeping with the Alien: The Society of the Alien Part 12 PART III: Reading the Alien Chapter 13 6. Figuring It Out: The Literary Modeling of the Alien Chapter 14 7. Necessary Alterity: The Why of the Alien Part 15 Conclusion: The Archetype, the Alien, and the Human Part 16 Bibliography Part 17 Index Part 18 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Monk, a former professor of English at Dalhousie U. in Nova Scotia, examines instances of aliens (often not studied seriously) in short stories, novellas, and novelettes and what they convey about human existence. Viewing the alien as an archetype, she focuses on hard science fiction from 1900 to the present that was published in magazines, anthologies, and single-author collections. She provides an overview of the concept of the Other in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, and describes conceptions of the alien in pre- postmodernist and postmodernist criticism and theory, creation of the alien and its context, and how it is used as a fictional character alongside human characters. The book is aimed at academics, students, and general readers.

Reference and Research Book News

The book is unique and useful in referring to science and how-to-write essays and fan letters as well as fiction....I would strongly recommend the book for any teacher or student desiring a thorough examination of aliens. Patricia Monk shows that the stories science fiction tells about aliens can add to our understanding of ourselves and of each other.

The Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts - 2008

The 47-page bibliography is an accurate index of the vast range of materials on which Patricia Monk has drawn, and her frequent references to discussions of aliens in sf magazine articles and letters to the editor are particularly valuable....All in all, Alien Theory is a major study that will prove a useful point of departure for future studies.

Science Fiction Studies - Patrick A. McCarthy

Patricia Monk's wide-ranging, intelligent, well-documented, and interesting study readily serves as an exemplary bit of scholarship and literary criticism in handling a very large and extensive sf topic.

Science Fiction Research Association Review - Jan/Feb/Mar 2007 (#279)

Those who feel the need for a volume that provides full and engaging information on the microcosm of the alien in short works of science fiction will find this book the perfect resource.

Choice Reviews

Patricia Monk's wide-ranging, intelligent, well-documented, and interesting study readily serves as an exemplary bit of scholarship and literary criticism in handling a very large and extensive sf topic.

From the Publisher

Those who feel the need for a volume that provides full and engaging information on the microcosm of the alien in short works of science fiction will find this book the perfect resource.

March 2007 Choice Reviews

Monk, a former professor of English at Dalhousie U. in Nova Scotia, examines instances of aliens (often not studied seriously) in short stories, novellas, and novelettes and what they convey about human existence. Viewing the alien as an archetype, she focuses on hard science fiction from 1900 to the present that was published in magazines, anthologies, and single-author collections. She provides an overview of the concept of the Other in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, and describes conceptions of the alien in pre- postmodernist and postmodernist criticism and theory, creation of the alien and its context, and how it is used as a fictional character alongside human characters. The book is aimed at academics, students, and general readers.

November2006 Reference and Research Book News

The book is unique and useful in referring to science and how-to-write essays and fan letters as well as fiction....I would strongly recommend the book for any teacher or student desiring a thorough examination of aliens. Patricia Monk shows that the stories science fiction tells about aliens can add to our understanding of ourselves and of each other.

The Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts

Those who feel the need for a volume that provides full and engaging information on the microcosm of the alien in short works of science fiction will find this book the perfect resource.

March 2007 Choice

Those who feel the need for a volume that provides full and engaging information on the microcosm of the alien in short works of science fiction will find this book the perfect resource.

March 2007 CHOICE

Patricia Monk's wide-ranging, intelligent, well-documented, and interesting study readily serves as an exemplary bit of scholarship and literary criticism in handling a very large and extensive sf topic. Jan/Feb/Mar 2007 (#279)

Science Fiction Research Association Review

The 47-page bibliography is an accurate index of the vast range of materials on which Patricia Monk has drawn, and her frequent references to discussions of aliens in sf magazine articles and letters to the editor are particularly valuable....All in all, Alien Theory is a major study that will prove a useful point of departure for future studies.
— Patrick A. McCarthy, University of Miami

Science Fiction Studies