Science Fiction

Noam Chomsky argues that only a meager percentage of the world, consisting of mainly large corporations and developed nations, prosper from globalization. As stated in Immanuel Wallerstein’s World-System Theory, the modern system of the world, which is constructed according to the economic status of nations, can be divided into three levels: the core, the semi-periphery, and the periphery. While extensive research have been conducted on Immanuel Wallerstein, Noam Chomsky, and Arthur C. Clarke separately, no published work has exclusively studied Wallerstein’s and Chomsky’s theories in Arthur C. Clarke and Gentry Lee’s science fiction novels—Rama novels. This paper first aims to illustrate the relevance of Immanuel Wallerstein and Noam Chomsky and to argue that globalization, enjoyed by the core states, can be a new wave of colonization. Then, it is discussed that in the globalized world imagined by Arthur C. Clarke and Gentry Lee in their Rama novels, the semi-periphery and the periphery nations, with only a marginal role in vital space expeditions, are exploited by the core, which runs and regulates the world in the way it desires. Moreover, the paper investigates the way in which the core states in the Rama novels try to ensure a lofty role in the world, the result of which is rape, disease, bankruptcy, and murder.

This study investigates Doris Lessing's narrative techniques for depicting fictional realms in her science fiction stories. Focusing on two pivotal works, The Memoirs of a Survivor and Briefing for a Descent into Hell, we examine how Lessing employs World-Building Elements and Function-Advancing Propositions, as defined by Gavin's Text-World Theory, to represent imaginary text-worlds and develop the discourse in her science fiction stories. Our analysis reveals Lessing's adept use of supernatural world-building elements, such as one-eyed giants, giant fishes, and armies of angels, to establish the backdrop of her narratives. Additionally, she utilizes unreal, transtemporal, and extraterrestrial actions—such as passing through walls and temporal excursions—to propel the narrative and enrich its discourse. The temporal and spatial elements remain ambiguous and unknown, with narrative progression primarily occurring through mental and relational processes. This study helps to understand and identify Lessing's narrative techniques in her science fiction stories, offering a unique perspective on examining her works.