Speaker for the Dead

As a genre, science fiction is often overlooked for its applicable connections to literary analysis and application to education, but nothing could be further from the truth. Good science fiction and fantasy examines the human condition as well as culture against the universe in a broad scale. But the importance of sci-fi goes beyond the ability to ask difficult and intriguing questions. Science fiction has to power to create alternative technologies, cultures, societies, and way of perceiving and understand the world. It forces its reader to think outside the confines of our own culture and lives and think in terms of the reality that is created by the author. Like all literature, science fiction also allows an author to present his style, elegance of language, and intertwining plots to fascinate and inspire the reader. Many science fiction authors have made their mark on society and in education. One author that has presented a strong case for writing educationally appropriate books that captivate readers is Orson Scott Card. With a background of political and historical studies, Card infuses fantasy with useful and long-lasting themes that have been prevalent in humanity.