SCIENCE FICTION: GENRE AND/OR MODE?

This article aims to present the discussion about the definition of Science Fiction as a genre, including older studies that enable a deeper understanding of the current theory. In addition, I revisit Patrick Parrinder's (1980) initial assertion that Science Fiction should not only be understood as a genre, but also as a mode, which can facilitate the discussion about various works that flirt with science-fictional aspects without really delving into them. Finally, a discussion about the British New Wave as a crisis of the genre is made, to support the theory that Science Fiction should be regarded both as a genre and a mode.

Keywords
Science fiction; Genre; Mode; British New Wave