From "The Time Machine" to "Doctor Who". The Motif of Time Travel in British Science Fiction

Term Paper , 2014 , 12 Pages , Grade: 1,0

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

This term paper analyzes the novel "The Time Machine", written by G. Well in 1895, and compares it to the popular British TV series "Doctor Who", in particular the very first episode "An Unearthly Child" and a fairly modern episode called "The Doctor's Wife".

The aspect of dicussion is the motif of time travel. "The Time Machine" was one of the very first stories concerned with time travel, so it is analyzed in which the motif has developed since then. Specific aspects of discussion are the character of the time traveler and the complexity of the time machine, in both "The Time Machine" and the chosen "Doctor Who" episodes.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Time Machine and Doctor Who
• The Time Traveller and the Doctor
• The Time Machine and the TARDIS
  • The Introduction of the Novum
  • The Description and Design of the Machine
  • The Journey through Time
  • The Essence of the TARDIS
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to analyze and compare the way time travel is introduced and depicted in H. G. Wells' novel "The Time Machine" and the British television show "Doctor Who." It explores the characteristics of the time travelers, their respective machines, and how these elements shape the narrative.

• The evolution of the time travel motif in science fiction
• The characterization of the Time Traveller and the Doctor
• The significance of the time traveling machines in both narratives
• The role of paradox and time travel consequences
• The relationship between the time traveler and their companions

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of time travel and its evolution from the simple portrayal in "The Time Machine" to the complex themes explored in "Doctor Who." It also highlights the specific episodes chosen for analysis: "An Unearthly Child" from the original "Doctor Who" series and "The Doctor's Wife" from the revival series.
• The Time Machine and Doctor Who: This chapter compares the narrative structure of "The Time Machine" and "Doctor Who," highlighting the influence of the novel on the show's development. It discusses the long history of "Doctor Who" and its exploration of time travel paradoxes and consequences.
• The Time Traveller and the Doctor: This chapter analyzes the shared characteristics of the Time Traveller and the Doctor, including their mysterious personalities, scientific knowledge, and child-like tendencies. It also explores the Doctor's evolving characterization over time and his relationship with his companions.
• The Time Machine and the TARDIS: This chapter focuses on the introduction of the time traveling machines in both narratives. It compares the ways in which the Time Machine and the TARDIS are presented to the reader or audience, highlighting the scientific and narrative significance of these novums.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key themes and concepts explored in this paper include time travel, science fiction, characterization, narrative structure, novum, paradox, time travel consequences, "The Time Machine," "Doctor Who," Time Traveller, the Doctor, TARDIS, and companion.

• College: University of Constance
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Silvia Schilling (Author)
• Publication Year: 2014
• Pages: 12
• Catalog Number: V375165
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668524576
• ISBN (Book): 9783668524583
• Language: English
• Tags: Doctor Who, Time Machine, Time Travel, British, Science Fiction, English Literature