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Common Artistic Interpretation of the Motif in Science

Fiction

Yuldoshova Shakhnoza Azimboyevna 1

Abstract: The article reveals the analysis of literary motifs that are common in fiction and
science fiction works of world and Uzbek literature. Some common literary motifs in science fiction
include alien encounters and space exploration, technology and its implications, dystopian societies,
genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, time travel and inter-temporal travel, environmental issues
and their artistic significance.
Keywords: Motif, archetype, travel plot, fantasy, science fiction, futuristic prophecy, virtual
reality, apocalyptic world.

Introduction: Science fiction literature has long been a fertile ground for exploring complex themes
and motifs that reflect the hopes, fears, and aspirations of society. One of the key elements that define
the genre is the use of motifs, recurring symbols, images, or themes that convey deeper meanings and
provoke thought-provoking discussions. Science fiction (sometimes shortened to SF or sci-fi) is a
genre of speculative fiction that typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as
advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial
life.[1] It is related to fantasy fiction, horror fiction, and superhero fiction, and includes many sub-
genres. Writers, critics, scholars, and readers have long debated its exact definition. Science fiction
describes technology and scientific discoveries, communication with non-human artificial intelligence,
possible future prospects or alternative directions of history (alternativity) and the impact of these
assumptions on human society and personality. The plots of science fiction works are often set in the
future, which makes this genre related to futurology. Prominent American sci-fi and fantasy writer Ray
Bradbury gave following definition to the genre: "Science fiction is any idea that occurs in the head
and doesn't exist yet, but soon will, and will change everything for everybody, and nothing will ever be
the same again. As soon as you have an idea that changes some small part of the world you are writing
science fiction. It is always the art of the possible, never the impossible."[2] Robert A. Heinlein wrote
that "A handy short definition of almost all science fiction might read: realistic speculation about
possible future events, based solidly on adequate knowledge of the real world, past and present, and on
a thorough understanding of the nature and significance of the scientific method."[3]
Main part: Scholars and experts in the field of science fiction offer various definitions of the genre,
reflecting its complexity and diversity. Some common elements found in scholarly definitions of
science fiction include:
1. Speculative Fiction: Science fiction is often described as a form of speculative fiction that
extrapolates from current scientific and technological trends to imagine possible futures. It
explores "what if" scenarios and their potential impact on society, culture, and humanity.
2. Exploration of Ideas and Themes: Science fiction is known for its exploration of a wide range of
themes, including technology, space exploration, artificial intelligence, utopian and dystopian
societies, time travel, and the implications of scientific advancements.
3. Cognitive Estrangement: This term, coined by scholar Darko Suvin, refers to the sense of
alienation or "estrangement" that science fiction creates by presenting alternative worlds or futures.

1
independent researcher of UzSWLU, English teacher of School 26, Tashkent city

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Science fiction often challenges readers to think critically about their own world by presenting
unfamiliar or speculative settings.
4. Social Commentary: Many scholars emphasize that science fiction serves as a lens through which
to examine contemporary social, political, and ethical issues. It often offers commentary on the
human condition, societal structures, and the consequences of scientific and technological progress.
5. Imagination and Creativity: Science fiction is celebrated for its imaginative and creative
storytelling, often pushing the boundaries of what is possible and challenging readers to envision
new possibilities for the future.
As seen above, science fiction is a versatile and fluid genre that allows writers to cover a wide range of
topics, concepts and ideas, engaging readers in an exciting and imaginative world. It is believed that
the combination of scientific speculation, futuristic setting and exploration of human issues makes this
genre appealing to both authors and readers. A very important place in analyzing works from a
semantic point of view is occupied by recurring motifs widely used in science fiction. Motif is defined
as the smallest semantic unit in literary studies.
In literary studies, the motif is understood in a broad sense as a structural and semantic unit that can
function at different levels of a fictional text - idea and theme, plot, narrative, composition, space-time,
characteristic, and so on. Its figurative form in a literary text can be very diverse: theme, idea, image,
word, object, character, artistic detail, etc. [4,11] Therefore, motifs serve as an integral part of the plot,
complementing the idea and theme of the work of fiction. Below we will consider the features of
several types of motifs in science fiction works.
Some frequent themes of sci-fi, and examples of novels that include these:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): works of science fiction that emphasize the concept of intelligent
machines or computer systems that can think and act like humans. An example is Isaac Asimov's
short story collection “I, Robot”, which vividly depicts the relationship between humans and robots
with artificial intelligence, as well as the moral implications of intelligent machines for humanity
and society. Ray Bradbury’s short story "The Pedestrian" depicts a future society where
individuality and creativity are suppressed, reflecting a dystopian vision of a world controlled by
technology and AI.
2. Space exploration: Stories involving travelling to distant planets, meeting alien species and
exploring the most unknown places in the Universe. The use of space in general is the most
common motif in science fiction. It is also a motif that stimulates humanity's desire for creativity,
curiosity, discovery and the conquest of new lands. There are many works of this kind in world and
Uzbek literature. “Two Worlds Hunter” by Khodjiakbar Shaikhov, “Renee's Riddle”, “One Day in
the Galaxy” by Sadulla Kuronov, “The Martian Chronicles” by Ray Bradbury, “Currents of Space”
by Isaac Asimov, “The Martian” by Andy Weir and many other works can be examples of this.
“Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams is a comedic science fiction novel that
features Arthur Dent traveling through space with a diverse, eclectic group of characters, including
an alien named Ford Prefect who narrates unfortunate events. Hitchhiking through space, Arthur
and many other characters struggle to find meaning in their lives and existence.
3. Dystopian society: a work that depicts future societies that are oppressive, under the control of
totalitarian governments, or suffering from environmental degradation. Examples of such works
include the novels "1984" by George Orwell, "We" by Eugene Zemlyatin, "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray
Bradbury, “The Handmaid's Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “Hunger games” by Suzanne Collins and
“The City and the Stars” by Arthur C. Clarke. These works describe dystopian, i.e., alternative, bad
societies where individuality is suppressed and citizens are constantly controlled by the state,
totalitarian regimes, where thinking and creativity are forbidden, societies oriented only towards
consumerism, and thus call humanity to awareness.
4. Time travel: works in which characters travel through time to change the course of history or
events or to explore different eras. Such works include "The Time Machine" by HG Wells,

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"Slaughterhouse-Five or the Children's Crusade" by Kurt Vonnegut, ‘11,22,63’ by Stephen King,
"Kindred" by Octavia Butler, ‘The End. Eternity’ by Isaac Asimov, “Falak” by Tahir Malik and
“The sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury. These works are based on man's dream as a solution to
his regrets or the great problems of his life by moving time forward or backward, an attempt to
control time, which is the most uncontrollable thing in the world.
5. Genetic engineering: a study of the ethical implications of genetic manipulation, cloning and
modification of the human genome, describing the consequences of a world in which genetic
engineering is used to control social order, to make people perform certain functions and to
genetically modify them. Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World", Chingiz Aitmatov's "Cassandra's
Sign", Isajon Sultan's "The Eternal Wanderer", H.G. Wells' "The Island of Dr Moreau", Margaret
Atwood's "Oryx and Crake" can be categorized in this category. These works emphasized the idea
that man's artificiality in rebellion against the Creator can have brutal and irreparable
consequences.
6. Apocalyptic fiction; is a science fiction story involving the end of civilization as a result of a
potential catastrophe such as nuclear war, pandemic, extraterrestrial attack, shockwave, cybernetic
upheaval, technological singularity, dysgenics, supernatural events, climate change genre, resource
depletion, or other general catastrophe.[5] The action of post-apocalyptic fiction takes place in a
world or civilization after such a catastrophe. The time frame may change from time to time,
focusing on the suffering or psychology of the survivors in the immediate aftermath of the disaster,
often including the forgotten (or mythological) theme of the existence of the civilization before the
disaster. Works such as Stephen King's 'Resistance', Mary Shelley's 'The Last Man', Susan Collins'
'The Hunger Games', Pierre Boulez' 'Planet of the Apes', Kurt Vonnegut's 'Cat's Cradle', William
Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' and Ray Bradbury's 'There will be soft rains' are prime examples.
These examples show how science fiction can use fictional stories to creatively explore complex
themes and ideas. The use of these motifs in fiction plays an important role in the deeper
understanding and contemplation of the work. After all, the main task of science fiction, like other
literary genres, is to depict the reality of life with artistic texture. However, most science fiction is
based on science and logical probabilities, and one of its main tasks is to warn about these
probabilities, to alert humanity to the horrors that may happen.
In summary, science fiction is becoming a strong and enduring literary genre that fascinates readers
with its fantastical worlds, futuristic technologies, and thought-provoking themes. The artistic
interpretation of motifs in science fiction serves as a lens through which writers explore complex
themes and ideas. Sci-fi and fiction works, offer valuable insights into society, technology, and the
human condition. By engaging with these motifs, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the genre
and its enduring impact on literature and popular culture. The artistic interpretation of motifs in science
fiction literature serves as a powerful vehicle for exploring complex themes and engaging readers in
critical discourse.
Conclusion: By delving into these motifs and their interpretations, we gain a deeper appreciation for
the artistry and significance of science fiction literature in shaping our understanding of the nature of
humanity. From exploring the possibilities of space travel to investigating the ethical dilemmas of
artificial intelligence, science fiction continues to push the boundaries of our imagination and motivate
our understanding of the world around us. It inspires us to look to the future, to learn about vital and
relevant issues, to right our wrongs and leave ourselves a better future.
References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction
2. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/ray_bradbury_447406
3. Heinlein, Robert A.; Cyril Kornbluth; Alfred Bester; Robert Bloch (1959). The Science Fiction
Novel: Imagination and Social Criticism. University of Chicago: Advent Publishers.

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4. Л.В. Гармаш, ТЕОРИЯ МОТИВА В ЛИТЕРАТУРОВЕДЕНИ -Наукові записки ХНПУ ім.
Г.С. Сковороди, 2014
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalyptic_and_post-apocalyptic_fiction

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