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p. 61. Voyages into spacelocked

  • David Seed

Abstract

One of the main elements associated with science fiction is the space ship. ‘Voyages into space explores’ this theme and the plot line of the journey into space. There is a continuity between space flight and the sea journeys in earlier works like Gulliver's Travels which functions as a devise for distancing us from a familiar world. This theme is traced through classic works by Jules Verne to the emergence of science fiction when empire was at its height. Star wars, the impact of the US space programme, and the iconic 2001: A Space Odyssey have paved the way for later explorations of inner space.

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