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Investigating the Human Basics of Science Fiction Thus far we have explored some of the basic issues and themes that circulate in a great deal of science fiction literature. We have, for example, considered whether science and technology lead humans toward delusions of absolute mastery over Nature; how science fiction is often a vehicle for the extrapolation of contemporary human problems into an uncertain future; and most recently, we have considered how science fiction can raise questions about the meaning and limits of the human. For this short 1500-word essay (about 5 pages), select one of the prompts below. Select one of the novels we have read thus far, only one, and explore how it investigates one of the following themes: A. the dangers of science and technology may pose either for humans, or for the idea of “the human”. B. the way science and technology may illuminate, or even modify, what we think of as “the human.” C. whether the novel you have selected suggests humans can exist in the future, or whether it suggests some fundamental reason why humans are doomed to extinction. D. the definition of “heroic” according to the novel you have selected. E. the definition of the “key problem” according to the novel you have selected (because perhaps some novels don’t have heroes and villains, as much as they deal more with human frailties or other problems.) The novels are: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley The Time Machine by H. G. Wells Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury I, Robot by Isaac Asimov Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Length: At least 1500 words, no more than 2100. Basic Requirements: –good writing –basic essay organization (thesis, argument, conclusion) –at least one outside research article used within the body of the paper. (No wikipages…no random websites) These must be from reputable journal sources. –MLA format and bibliography. –Double spaced, and uploaded to the Assignments area in Blackboard by the due date and time. –Good, smart, specific titles at the start of the essay.