Elements of Fiction, Imagination and Fantasy in Science Fiction in the Postmodern Era

Abstract

Words like imagination, fantasy and fiction are used among the readers and students of literature without much distinction. But, there are evident differences among the concepts these words denote. In the postmodern context, where there are multiple approaches to reality and knowledge, the conceptual clarity is a must. This paper is an attempt to clarify the differences in the meaning of these words in the context of science fiction. Science fiction is the exact genre, by which the elements of fantasy, imagination and fiction can be distinguished systematically.