ABSTRACT
This paper is a longitudinal study of feminist science fiction that analyses six representative pieces from the genre: Frankenstein (1818), Herland (1915), A Wrinkle in Time novel (1962), The Female Man (1975), A Wrinkle in Time Movie adaptation (2018), and Rupetta (2018). Looking at literature across a span of 200 years, allows one to see the chronological growth of feminist science fiction. The longitudinal study of feminist science fiction is valuable because it not only shows how the definition of feminism grows and changes to reflect issues of the time period, but also the feminist ideals that stay static throughout the centuries. This study suggests that the state of feminism is not stagnant and shows the intersectionality of feminist science fiction. By looking at a select few representative pieces of this genre, it is clear how it has adapted and changed with society over the last two hundred year to become a voice for the voiceless.
In 1818, Frankenstein addresses feminist issues through symbolism and a male protagonist. Almost a century later, Herland is explicitly feminist by depicting a “perfect” (by western standards), all-female utopia. The Female Man’s feminist utopia is more realistic and the novel features an explicit call for action at the end. A Wrinkle in Time novel by L’Engle focuses on the importance of emotions and psychological journeys as well as technology. The 2018 movie adaptation further expanded on these themes of psychological empowerment and the idea of intersectionality, or addressing several important issues at once (race, gender, class etc.). Rupetta (2018) draws a full connection back to Frankenstein, through the themes of creation and the ethical implications as well as addressing issues shown in the original 1818 novel.
