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)
- 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
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to compare and contrast the portrayal of time travel in H.G. Wells' The Time Machine and the British television series Doctor Who. The analysis focuses on how time travel is introduced and depicted, examining the time traveler and their respective devices.
- The introduction and depiction of time travel in both works.
- A comparison of the characteristics of the Time Traveler and the Doctor.
- An analysis of the Time Machine and the TARDIS as novums.
- Exploration of the evolution of time travel narratives from a simple concept to a more complex one.
- The impact of both works on the science fiction genre.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central theme of time travel, highlighting its enduring fascination in literature and popular culture. It introduces H.G. Wells' The Time Machine as a seminal work and Doctor Who as a significant evolution of the time travel narrative, showcasing the shift from simple to more complex depictions. The chapter outlines the paper's objective: a comparative analysis of time travel's portrayal in both works, specifically examining the characters and their respective time-traveling devices.
2. The Time Machine and Doctor Who: This chapter contrasts the relatively straightforward narrative structure of The Time Machine with the more complex and evolving plots of Doctor Who. It establishes The Time Machine's influence on the creation of Doctor Who, emphasizing the show's long history and its ability to explore the complexities of time travel, including paradoxes and consequences. The chapter also briefly introduces the specific episodes of Doctor Who – "An Unearthly Child" and "The Doctor's Wife" – that will be analyzed further.
3. The Time Traveller and the Doctor: This chapter delves into a comparative analysis of the protagonists, highlighting their shared enigmatic qualities, scientific backgrounds, and blend of childlike and mature traits. It explores the deliberate ambiguity surrounding their identities, comparing the unnamed Time Traveller with the Doctor, whose name itself embodies mystery. The chapter contrasts the Time Traveller's solitary journey with the Doctor's frequent companions, noting the Doctor's alien nature and extensive prior experience with time travel.
4. The Time Machine and the TARDIS: This chapter focuses on the introduction and significance of the time machines themselves – the Time Machine and the TARDIS – as novums. It explores the ways in which both are initially presented to the reader/viewer, emphasizing the immediacy of their visual introduction, contrasting this with the more gradual scientific explanations provided before their physical appearances. The chapter highlights the differences in the level of initial knowledge provided about each machine.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Time travel, H.G. Wells, The Time Machine, Doctor Who, science fiction, narrative structure, character analysis, time machine, TARDIS, novum, paradox, comparison, contrast, evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of Time Travel in "The Time Machine" and "Doctor Who"
What is the overall focus of this academic paper?
This paper conducts a comparative analysis of time travel as depicted in H.G. Wells' The Time Machine and the British television series Doctor Who. It examines how time travel is introduced and portrayed, focusing on the time travelers themselves and their respective machines.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the introduction and depiction of time travel in both works; a comparison of the Time Traveler and the Doctor; an analysis of the Time Machine and the TARDIS as novums (new inventions); the evolution of time travel narratives; and the impact of both works on the science fiction genre.
What specific aspects of "The Time Machine" and "Doctor Who" are compared?
The paper compares and contrasts the narrative structures of both works, the characteristics of the Time Traveler and the Doctor (including their personalities, backgrounds, and journeys), and the design and significance of their time machines (the Time Machine and the TARDIS).
How are the time machines (Time Machine and TARDIS) analyzed?
The analysis of the Time Machine and the TARDIS focuses on their introduction to the audience (reader/viewer), the level of initial knowledge provided about them, and their significance as novums within their respective narratives. The paper contrasts their immediate visual introduction with the more gradual scientific explanations provided.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into four chapters: an introduction establishing the central theme and objectives; a chapter comparing the narratives of The Time Machine and Doctor Who; a chapter comparing the Time Traveler and the Doctor; and a chapter analyzing the Time Machine and the TARDIS.
What are the key takeaways or conclusions of the paper (as previewed)?
The preview suggests the paper will highlight the evolution of time travel narratives from simpler concepts in The Time Machine to the more complex and multifaceted depictions in Doctor Who. It also aims to illustrate the enduring influence of The Time Machine on the science fiction genre and its impact on later works like Doctor Who.
What are the keywords associated with this academic paper?
The keywords include: Time travel, H.G. Wells, The Time Machine, Doctor Who, science fiction, narrative structure, character analysis, time machine, TARDIS, novum, paradox, comparison, contrast, evolution.
Which specific episodes of Doctor Who are analyzed?
The preview mentions "An Unearthly Child" and "The Doctor's Wife" as specific episodes of Doctor Who that will be analyzed in the paper.
- Citation du texte
- Silvia Schilling (Auteur), 2014, From "The Time Machine" to "Doctor Who". The Motif of Time Travel in British Science Fiction, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/375165
