Fictional Worlds Drawing Parallels to Our Real World

From the earliest days of literary fiction to modern works of science fiction and fantasy, authors have consistently drawn inspiration from the real world. These works not only entertain but also offer profound insights into our society, culture, and history. One of the earliest examples of this blending can be found in Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget, published in 1842. Set in Paris, this story was based on a real-life murder case in New York City, demonstrating how even fictional narratives can comment on contemporary events.

The Intersection of Fiction and Fact

It is a widely accepted truth that far-out science fiction and fantasy are not written in vacuum. Instead, they mirror the issues, fears, and aspirations of the time and place in which they are written. Just because a story is not factual, it does not mean that the truths of the human condition are not described in an emotionally satisfying way. This is perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of fiction, as it allows authors to explore the complexities of life in a way that resonates with readers.

Philip Pullman's State of the Art

Philip Pullman's collection of short stories, The State of the Art, is a prime example of this phenomenon. Within the collection, there is a story featuring The Culture, a fictional organization, engaging in a mission on Earth in the 1970s. This story is rich with references to real-world issues and historical events, allowing readers to draw parallels between the fictional universe and our own.

Star Trek and the Intersection of History with Fiction

Science fiction franchises, such as Star Trek, also frequently delve into real-world history and contemporary times through engaging with the concept of time travel. Examples abound in the long-running Star Trek franchise, where the show's characters interact with real-world locales and historical figures. Some notable instances include:

The City on the Edge of Forever (Star Trek: The Original Series) – Kirk and Spock follow McCoy through a portal to 1930s New York City. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – Enterprise travels back in time to 1986 to save some whales. Futures End (Star Trek: Voyager) – A timeship from the future tries to destroy Voyager, ending up transporting it to Earth 1996.

The Chronology of Amber and Parallel Worlds

The TV show Sliders further explores the concept of alternate realities, letting characters travel to a shadow world that is subsequently understood as a representation of our Earth. This series is part of a longer tradition of fantasies, where characters enter other worlds that reflect different aspects of our own reality. Examples include:

Alice in Wonderland The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever Dreamquest for Unknown Kadath John Carter of Mars

Conclusion

Fictional narratives often provide unique windows into the real world, reflecting and critiquing the society that created them. From literary works of the 19th century to modern science fiction and fantasy, these references to our real world serve as powerful tools for understanding and engaging with contemporary issues. By drawing parallels and making connections, these stories enrich our understanding of both the fictional and the real.