Fantasy Quote by R.A. Lafferty
““Science Fiction is a collection of guerrilla bands each challenging the rights of the others to belong to the centrality. The band most challenged by the others is ‘high fantasy’, sometimes called ‘Sword and Sorcery’. There is a lot of stylized sneering at ‘S and S’.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Science of Science Fiction” by R.A. Lafferty, 1972
Science fiction and high fantasy are portrayed as rival subcultures, each claiming legitimacy while mocking the other.
In simple terms: SF and fantasy clash over cultural dominance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect diverse genre traditions.
Themes
genre rivalry
subculture dynamics
literary criticism
identity
mockery
Mood
playful
critical
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- writing workshops
- genre conventions
- publishing decisions
- fan debates
Key Concepts
cultural hegemony
genre theory
intertextuality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define the core of a genre?
- What value does rivalry bring to creative evolution?
A Different Perspective
The view oversimplifies the fluid boundaries between genres.
