Showing results for "The Science Fiction Century" in Social Sciences

The science fiction genre has become increasingly influential in mainstream popular culture, evolving into one of the most engaging storytelling tools we use to think about technology and consider the shape of the future. Along the way, it has also become one of the major lenses we use to explore important philosophical questions. The origins of science fiction are most often thought to trace to Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, a story born from a night of spooky tale-telling by the fireside that explores scientific, moral, and ethical questions that were of great concern in the 19th century - and that continue to resonate today.

Dive into the world of Our Mutual Friend, the final novel by Charles Dickens, penned between 1864 and 1865. This intricate narrative weaves together psychological depth and keen social commentary, exploring the themes of wealth and its impact on human relationships. The story unfolds with the discovery of a body in the Thames, identified as John Harmon—a young man poised to inherit a fortune. His fathers will, however, mandates that he marry Bella Wilfer, a beautiful yet materialistic stranger. With Harmon’s death, the inheritance shifts to the humble Boffins, sending ripples through the ...

In Paul Clifford, the complexities of our social fabric are laid bare through a compelling narrative that invites readers to reflect on the fate of individuals shaped by circumstances beyond their control. This novel delves into the stark contrast between societal norms, often cloaked in deception, and the moral dilemmas faced by those caught in a web of adversity. It poses a poignant question to society, urging us to reconsider our responsibilities toward those who suffer from the consequences of their environment. As we follow the journey of the titular character, we are reminded of the ...

Delve into the poignant world of Ruth, a social novel that explores the Victorian attitudes towards sin and illegitimacy. This surprisingly compassionate tale focuses on Ruth Hilton, a young seamstress and orphan who faces the harsh realities of society after being seduced and abandoned by the gentleman Henry Bellingham. Alone and pregnant, Ruth finds refuge with a kind minister and his sister, who help her navigate the stigma of her situation by masquerading her as a widow. As she strives to build a respectable life as a governess, her past threatens to unravel everything when Bellingham ...

In Mary Elizabeth Braddons gripping Victorian novel, Henry Dunbar, the titular character returns to England after a 30-year exile in India for forgery. His arrival sparks a thrilling tale filled with murder, deception, and the moral dilemmas surrounding guilt and responsibility. As he navigates the treacherous waters of societal expectations and gender barriers of the Victorian era, Dunbars journey unfolds into a captivating adventure that challenges the very fabric of morality. (Summary by Rosie)

In the early light of a late August morning, two young men embark on a journey from London to the fictional village of Emberton. One is Captain Delaware, a naval officer freshly returned from a stint in Sicily, while the other, the enigmatic Burrell, initially strikes the observer as a dandy. Their conversation is minimal during the ride, but when Burrell disembarks at a quaint cottage, it becomes clear that he is headed to the estate of Captain Delawares reclusive father. Their paths are destined to intertwine through a web of deception, murder, exile, and love, revealing the complex ties ...

Dickens' Classic, Reimagined. For a World in Disarray. (Full Cast Audio Drama)

Few writers are more often read, and better loved, than Charles Dickens and Samuel Langhorne Clemens - Mark Twain. Many of the characters populating their novels have become household words, cultural landmarks in their own right - Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, David Copperfield and Oliver Twist. It is as if we have known them life-long. In this course we take a look at the lives and works of both authors.