WONDER STORIES Meaning and
Definition
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Wonder stories refer to a genre of fictional literature that emphasizes the element of wonder and imagination. These stories often depict extraordinary or fantastical events, characters, and settings that captivate the readers' imagination and inspire a sense of awe. In wonder stories, the boundaries of reality are often pushed, allowing for the exploration of imaginative worlds, futuristic technologies, and supernatural phenomena.
This genre is known for entertaining and transporting readers to magical realms, other dimensions, or even distant planets. It is characterized by its ability to suspend disbelief and challenge conventional understandings of what is possible. Wonder stories can encompass various subgenres such as science fiction, fantasy, magical realism, and fairy tales.
The key element in wonder stories lies in their ability to evoke a sense of astonishment, curiosity, and excitement. These stories often present characters who embark on incredible journeys, encounter mythical beings, or grapple with extraordinary circumstances. Wonder stories can tackle themes of adventure, heroism, exploration, and the limitless power of human imagination.
Wonder stories have been popularized through the publication of magazines and anthologies dedicated to the genre. They have also greatly influenced popular culture, serving as inspiration for movies, television shows, and video games. Wonder stories continue to captivate readers of all ages, transporting them to alternate realities where anything is possible and where the human imagination knows no bounds.
Etymology of WONDER STORIES
The term "wonder stories" derives from English.
The word "wonder" originated in Middle English from the Old English word "wundor", which means "marvel" or "miracle". It ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "wundran", meaning "to be amazed or astonished".
The term "stories" traces its roots back to the Latin word "historia", which means "narrative" or "tale". It entered Middle English as "storie" and evolved into the modern English word "story".
"Wonder stories" was coined to describe a specific genre of science fiction and fantasy literature. It gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly with the launch of Hugo Gernsback's science fiction magazine "Amazing Stories" in 1926, which later became known as "Amazing Stories: The Magazine of Science Fiction and Fantasy".
