Re: Dinosaur themes in science fiction

[David Krentz <ddkrentz@charter.net>]

I've found that if there is a "Lost World" scenario, what draws the  
explorers there in the first place is often what reflects the desires  
of society when they are written.  The story often ends up reflecting  
what society has lost.

In the original Kong it was about Hollywood escapism during the  
depression, with undertones of modern girl power.  In the 70's version  
it was about  crude oil and the genesis of conservation.  I could only  
stomach the 2000 version once, and Ive tried to erase it from my  
memory so I can't  remember what that was about except special fx.   
Heck, maybe that WAS what we all want.
Nowadays is is often about an untouched land, safe from the modern  
influence of man and the heroes often desire to leave it that way  
whereas villians want to exploit it.

Dinotopia is another interesting example. It is mostly Gaia theory and  
a desire for man to realise we are all part of something greater.  
"Breathe Deep Seek Peace" , hence the books have little or no conflict  
at all.  Dinosaurs are no longer the monsters.

 I actually wrote a paper on this in college with a bunch of  
examples.  I dunno where that is.

David Krentz


On Dec 15, 2007, at 6:33 PM, Joe Gilvary wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I'm looking into themes that have shown up in dinosaur science  
> fiction, like the genetic recovery idea from "Our Lady of the  
> Sauropods" and "Jurassic Park," or the "dinosaurs survived in a  
> remote places" theme that's shown up over and over again as in "Lost  
> World," "The Valley of Gwangi," "Baby," "Dinosaur Summer". What are  
> some of the most impressive ideas in fiction regarding dinosaurs?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Joe