How does best alternate reality fiction differ from traditional science fiction?

Alternate reality fiction often focuses on a different version of our own world. For example, it might show what would have happened if a certain historical event had a different outcome. Traditional science fiction, on the other hand, may be more about exploring new worlds or technologies that don't exist in our current reality. In alternate reality fiction, the setting is usually more closely related to our own world but with key differences.

Traditional science fiction usually has a more linear narrative structure and a clear set of rules for its fictional world. In contrast, best absurdist science fiction can have a very fragmented or non - linear narrative. Take 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace. It's part absurdist, part science - fiction. The narrative jumps around, and there are these strange future elements like the Year of the Depend Adult Undergarment. It's not as concerned with making the science - fiction elements fit neatly into a traditional framework as traditional sci - fi would be.

The new absurdist science fiction also tends to have a more surreal feel. Traditional science fiction might focus on a more linear progression of technology or exploration. However, the new absurdist kind might have multiple layers of reality that are constantly shifting. For instance, characters might find themselves in a world where the laws of physics change randomly. It's a wild departure from the more stable worlds often presented in traditional science fiction.

Libertarian science fiction often emphasizes individual freedom, limited government, and free - market principles more than traditional science fiction. For example, in traditional SF, the focus might be on technology or alien encounters. But in libertarian SF, like 'The Moon is a Harsh Mistress', the story is centered around the colonists' fight for self - governance and freedom from Earth's control.

Pagan science fiction often includes elements from pagan religions. Traditional science fiction usually focuses on scientific concepts like space travel, alien life, etc. Pagan science fiction may have characters that are influenced by pagan deities or follow pagan - inspired moral codes.

Well, psychological science fiction is centered around the psychological aspects of the characters. It could show how a person copes with a strange new world in terms of their mental and emotional states. It might look at things like identity crises, psychological traumas, and the impact of isolation. Traditional science fiction is more about the overall concept of science and technology. It's about things like spaceships, interstellar travel, and scientific discoveries. For example, a psychological science - fiction story might be about a clone struggling with its sense of self, while a traditional science - fiction story could be about a race to colonize a new planet.

Musical science fiction incorporates music as an essential element. Traditional science fiction may focus more on the technological or scientific concepts. In musical science fiction, the music can be used to convey emotions, like in 'Blade Runner' where the moody music adds to the overall atmosphere of a dystopian future.

In berserker science fiction, the technology or the 'berserker' entity is usually central to the plot. It's about how this entity operates, how it was created (if that's explored), and how it can be defeated. Traditional science fiction can have a broader focus on things like social change due to technological advancements, exploration of new worlds, or the evolution of human nature in a technological context. So, while both have elements of science and technology, their core focuses can be quite different.

Romantic science fiction focuses more on relationships and emotions. Traditional science fiction often emphasizes scientific concepts, like new technologies or alien species. For example, in traditional science - fiction like '2001: A Space Odyssey', it's about the exploration of space and the mystery of the monolith. But in romantic science - fiction like 'The Time Traveler's Wife', the time - travel is more a backdrop for the love story. So, the main difference is the emphasis on the emotional and relationship aspects in romantic science - fiction.

Traditional science fiction usually centers around technological advancements, like faster - than - light travel or advanced robots. However, transcendental science fiction is different. It delves into the deeper questions of existence, such as what it means to be human on a spiritual level. It might explore concepts like the collective unconscious or the connection between all living things. For instance, in some transcendental sci - fi works, characters may experience a merging of minds or a transcendence of time and space not just through technology but through a spiritual awakening. Another difference is that traditional sci - fi often has a more straightforward plot with a problem - solution structure. Transcendental sci - fi, on the other hand, can be more abstract and open - ended, leaving the reader to ponder about the big questions long after finishing the story.