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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Time Machine and Doctor Who
3. The Time Traveller and the Doctor
4. The Time Machine and the TARDIS
4.1. The Introduction of the Novum
4.2. The Description and Design of the Machine
4.3. The Journey through Time
4.4. The Essence of the TARDIS
5. Conclusion
6. Works Cited
Objectives and Core Topics
This paper examines the evolution of the time travel motif by conducting a comparative analysis between H.G. Wells' foundational novel "The Time Machine" and the long-running British television series "Doctor Who". It explores how the portrayal of time-traveling protagonists and their respective vessels has transformed from a scientific, singular invention into a complex, sentient entity, while highlighting the foundational influence of Wells' work on modern science fiction narratives.
- The literary origins of time travel concepts in H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine".
- Comparative analysis of the character traits and mystery surrounding the "Time Traveller" and the "Doctor".
- Structural and narrative depictions of time travel devices (the Machine vs. the TARDIS).
- The development of the "novum" and the shifting perception of time machines as tools versus sentient companions.
- Impact of long-term television serialization on the complexity of time travel storytelling.
Excerpt from the Book
4.4. The Essence of the TARDIS
There is a crucial difference between the Time Machine and the TARDIS. While the Time Machine is never described as anything more than the Time Traveller's invention and a device to move in time, the Science teacher Mr. Chesterton immediately exclaims “It's alive!” (An Unearthly Child) when feeling a faint vibration, “an electric hum emanating from the strange blue box” (Robb 40). This is also the reason why the TARDIS cannot always be controlled as easily and perfectly as the Time Machine.
One of the main topics of the episode “The Doctor's Wife” is the question what the TARDIS and the relationship between her and the Doctor essentially are. The episode takes Ian Chesterton's discovery of the TARDIS being alive to a whole new level by pouring the soul of the TARDIS, also called the matrix, into the human body of a woman called Idris. This makes it possible for the TARDIS to communicate with the Doctor in the English language and to offer more information about herself. Since the TARDIS' consciousness does not belong in a flesh body, she cannot stay alive in it for very long and is confused most of the time.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the research scope and objectives, setting up the comparative framework between Wells' literature and the "Doctor Who" series.
2. The Time Machine and Doctor Who: Analyzes the historical influence of Wells' novel on the conceptualization and development of the British science fiction show.
3. The Time Traveller and the Doctor: Examines the shared mysterious nature, intellectual curiosity, and controversial character traits of the two protagonists.
4. The Time Machine and the TARDIS: Investigates the technological and narrative functions of the time travel vessels through four thematic sub-chapters.
4.1. The Introduction of the Novum: Discusses how the time travel device is introduced as a central narrative element in both the book and the pilot episode.
4.2. The Description and Design of the Machine: Contrasts the aesthetic and functional descriptions of the Victorian machine with the practical, iconic design of the TARDIS.
4.3. The Journey through Time: Explores the mechanics of time travel journeys and the sensation of motion within the different vessels.
4.4. The Essence of the TARDIS: Focuses on the sentient nature of the TARDIS as a living companion rather than just a mechanical device.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the transformation of the time travel motif and reasserts the continued relevance of Wells' original concepts in modern media.
6. Works Cited: Lists the primary and secondary literature used to support the analysis.
Keywords
Time travel, H.G. Wells, Doctor Who, Science Fiction, The Time Machine, TARDIS, Novum, Literature, Television, Comparative Analysis, Sentience, Time Lord, Paradox, Narrative Motif, Genre Evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The work explores the development and evolution of the time travel motif by comparing H.G. Wells' foundational 1895 novel "The Time Machine" with the British sci-fi series "Doctor Who".
What are the primary themes discussed?
The paper focuses on the nature of the protagonist (the time traveler), the design and functionality of the time-traveling devices, and the narrative strategies used to introduce these elements to the audience.
What is the primary goal of this analysis?
The goal is to demonstrate how modern science fiction, specifically "Doctor Who", draws upon and evolves the concepts established by early literature like "The Time Machine".
Which scientific or analytical method is employed?
The author uses a comparative literary analysis method, examining primary texts and specific television episodes to highlight similarities and discrepancies in storytelling techniques.
What aspects of the main text are analyzed?
The analysis covers the introduction of time travel devices, the physical design and function of these vessels, the characterization of the travelers, and the evolution of the TARDIS from a machine into a sentient entity.
Which keywords define this study?
Key terms include Time travel, H.G. Wells, Doctor Who, The Time Machine, TARDIS, and narrative evolution.
How does the TARDIS differ from the Time Machine in terms of characterization?
The Time Machine is portrayed strictly as an invention and a mechanical tool, whereas the TARDIS is depicted as a living, sentient being with its own consciousness and a friendship with the Doctor.
Why did the author choose the episode "The Doctor's Wife" for analysis?
This episode is selected because it explicitly explores the sentient nature of the TARDIS, representing the evolution of the time travel motif into more complex, non-mechanical storytelling.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Silvia Schilling (Autor:in), 2014, From "The Time Machine" to "Doctor Who". The Motif of Time Travel in British Science Fiction, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/375165
