On the Relationship Between Contemporary Novel-Essay and Science-Fiction

Abstract

The article inquires upon a possible connection (both formal and thematical) between the literary genre of science-fiction and the form of the novel-essay. Both of them trace their roots back to the late 19th century culture and share a philosophical ambition to interpret the world through narrative philosophy, albeit in opposed ways. After sketching a brief history of the two forms (also underlining their crossroads and similarities), the essay concludes with a parallel reading of two novels by David Foster Wallace and Michel Houellebecq in late 20th century. An open question upon the future paths of a "science-fictional" novel-essay is placed at the end.