The purpose of the assignment is to explain how literature from the past eras—Enlightenment, Revolutionary, Romantic, Modern, Science Fiction—shaped, influenced, or paved the way for the book you read. You should also pay special attention to the book’s influence, explain any ideals revealed in your text of choice, how those ideals do or do not reflect ideals from the past and influence the future, and discuss how the characters are indicative of what the intended audience needed, expected, feared, or desired at the time of publication. You will consider the elements: Writer, Audience, Text, Reality, Critic, and Influence, research them, and offer a thorough explanation in your research paper. Your research should include at a minimum: (1) information on the author, (2) the social norms and historical events of the time, (3) literary criticism, (4) genre, and (5) influence. You should explain in detail the influence the text has had on its intended audience and why it is an important piece of literature.

QUESTION

Research Paper

The purpose of the assignment is to explain how literature from the past eras—Enlightenment, Revolutionary, Romantic, Modern, Science Fiction—shaped, influenced, or paved the way for the book you read. You should also pay special attention to the book’s influence, explain any ideals revealed in your text of choice, how those ideals do or do not reflect ideals from the past and influence the future, and discuss how the characters are indicative of what the intended audience needed, expected, feared, or desired at the time of publication. You will consider the elements: Writer, Audience, Text, Reality, Critic, and Influence, research them, and offer a thorough explanation in your research paper. Your research should include at a minimum: (1) information on the author, (2) the social norms and historical events of the time, (3) literary criticism, (4) genre, and (5) influence. You should explain in detail the influence the text has had on its intended audience and why it is an important piece of literature.

Your paper should focus on what social factors influenced the author to write the book and how the book in turn prompted social change. Your research will focus on the author, the social norms and historical/political events of the time the text was published, any literary criticism or discussion you can find from experts, and how the text was influenced and is still influential. Determine the genre of the text, do some research on it, and provide your own analysis as to how the text meets those expectations of the genre requirements.

Research:

Author: biography of author – consider what life events, cultural influences (race, religion, nationality, gender, age, etc.), beliefs, or opinions influenced the author and are exposed in the text. What year was the text published? What historical or political events were going on that may have influenced the author and the text?

Audience: Consider social norms of the intended audience. Think about how historical and/or political events may have affected the intended audience’s perception of the text. What assumptions might the audience have? What about their cultural influences?

Text: What makes the text stand on its own as a valuable and classical piece of literature? Consider rhetorical tools (logos, pathos, ethos, Kairos, exigence). If it is a fictional book, consider elements of fiction: plot, point of view, characterization, setting, tone and style, themes, and symbolism.

Reality: How accurate does the author represent the world and universal truths? How factual are the descriptions to real world? How does the author make the text, characters, and message relatable to the reader?

Critic: (you) What experiences, beliefs, assumptions, cultural influences, etc. affect you and your take on the book?

Influence: What social/global influences helped shape the book, and what social change did the book help create in return?

Genre: What genre is the text? Does it meet genre requirements? Why is genre important?

ANSWER

The Evolutionary Power of Literature: Exploring the Influence of Past Eras on H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine”

Introduction

Literature has always played a significant role in shaping societal ideals, reflecting the beliefs and values of its time. This research paper explores the influence of literature from past eras, including the Enlightenment, Revolutionary, Romantic, and Modern periods, on H.G. Wells’ groundbreaking science fiction novel, “The Time Machine.” By examining the author, audience, text, reality, critic, and influence, we will uncover the ways in which Wells’ work has been influenced by and has influenced its historical and cultural context. Additionally, we will analyze the genre of the text and its relevance in meeting genre requirements.

Author: H.G. Wells

Herbert George Wells, known as H.G. Wells, was born in 1866 in Bromley, England. Wells’ upbringing in a working-class family and his early struggles shaped his socialist worldview and belief in the potential for social change. As a prolific writer and visionary, Wells became one of the pioneers of science fiction (Nicholson, 2023). “The Time Machine” was published in 1895, a period marked by significant historical and political events, including the Industrial Revolution and the height of British colonialism. These circumstances likely influenced Wells’ exploration of social class, progress, and the consequences of unchecked scientific advancements in his novel.

Audience: Social Norms and Cultural Influences

The intended audience of “The Time Machine” was shaped by the social norms and cultural influences of late 19th-century Britain. Victorian society was characterized by a rigid class structure, scientific advancements, and the tension between traditional values and the rapid changes brought about by industrialization. Wells’ audience likely held assumptions about progress, the role of science, and the persistence of social inequalities.

Text: Literary Elements and Genre

“The Time Machine” stands as a valuable and classical piece of literature due to Wells’ adept use of literary elements and its genre-defining nature. Wells skillfully employs rhetorical tools such as logos, pathos, ethos, Kairos, and exigence to convey his cautionary message about the dangers of unchecked progress and the potential future of humanity. The novel exhibits elements of science fiction, including a compelling plot involving time travel, a first-person point of view, well-drawn characters, and a vividly imagined dystopian future.

Reality: Representation of the World and Universal Truths

In “The Time Machine,” Wells presents a vivid depiction of a future world, highlighting the consequences of societal inequalities, class divisions, and the dehumanizing effects of uncontrolled technological progress. While the novel contains fictional elements, Wells’ social commentary and critique of Victorian society resonate with universal truths about human nature and the dangers of unbridled ambition. The relatability of the text lies in its exploration of fundamental human desires, fears, and the search for meaning.

Critic: Personal Perspective and Influences

As the critic, my experiences, beliefs, assumptions, and cultural influences shape my interpretation and analysis of “The Time Machine.” Recognizing my own biases and perspectives allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the text (Partington, 2014). Acknowledging Wells’ socialist inclinations, his belief in social change, and the socio-political context of the time enables a deeper understanding of the themes and ideas conveyed in the novel.

Influence: Social and Global Impact

“The Time Machine” has been profoundly influenced by various social and global factors. Wells’ observations of societal inequalities, scientific advancements, and the prevalent anxieties of the Victorian era helped shape the book. In turn, the novel has had a significant impact on its readers and society. It ignited discussions about the consequences of progress, the dangers of unchecked scientific advancement, and the importance of social equality. Wells’ work helped pave the way for the development of science fiction as a genre and influenced future writers to explore the relationship between society, technology, and human nature.

Genre: Science Fiction and Meeting Genre Requirements

“The Time Machine” is a seminal work of science fiction that meets the genre requirements by combining speculative elements, time travel, and social commentary. As a genre, science fiction allows authors like Wells to extrapolate from existing realities and project into the future, offering a unique lens through which to examine societal issues and explore the potential consequences of human actions (Lombardo, 2014).

Conclusion

H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine” exemplifies the evolutionary power of literature, drawing on past eras and societal influences while shaping its own legacy. Through the exploration of the author, audience, text, reality, critic, and influence, we have seen how Wells’ work reflects and critiques the social and cultural norms of his time. “The Time Machine” not only serves as a classic and valuable piece of literature but also as a catalyst for discussions on progress, social equality, and the consequences of uncontrolled scientific advancement. Its enduring influence has paved the way for science fiction as a genre, inspiring future writers to explore similar themes and shed light on the complexities of the human condition.

References

Lombardo, T. (2014). Science Fiction as the Mythology of the Future. Centerforfutureconsciousness. https://www.academia.edu/1160808/Science_Fiction_as_the_Mythology_of_the_Future 

Nicholson, N. C. (2023, May 9). H.G. Wells | Biography, Books, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/H-G-Wells 

Partington, J. S. (2014). Building Cosmopolis: the Political Thought of HG Wells. Reading. https://www.academia.edu/400231/Building_Cosmopolis_the_Political_Thought_of_HG_Wells