Aufgabe 1.2
Tasks
1
Outline the features of climate fiction and the reasons why cli-fi has become so popular.
(30 %)
2
Analyze how the author conveys her attitude towards cli-fi and its potential impact on readers.
(30 %)
3
Choose one of the following tasks:
3.1
“In times of intense worry and rampant uncertainty, [cli-fi novels] almost seem to hold out the promise of a how-to manual – how to handle crisis, how to deal with calamity, how to simply muddle through.” (ll. 23-25)
Using the quote as a starting point, assess to what extent reading literature helps people in their search for direction in life.
(40 %)
3.2
Using the information on the novel “Dreamland” from the book cover and the article to illustrate your point, write a blog entry for www.goodreads.com in which you discuss whether reading cli-fi in schools contributes to raising students’ awareness of environmental issues.
(40 %)

https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Dreamland/Rosa-Rankin-Gee/9781471193842
Accessed July 18, 2023.
Accessed July 18, 2023.
Text: Excerpt from the article
The rise of apocalyptic novels
By Hephzaibah Anderson
1
Imagine you're enjoying much-needed time away with your family, staying in a luxurious Long Island holiday rental,
2
miles from anywhere. Then comes a late-night knock at the door and strangers bearing news of a sinister power outage
3
in New York City. The internet has gone down, phone service has been severed, and when you switch on the TV, every
4
channel shows the same blank screen. Your children are asleep down the hallway, and you've no way of knowing what's
5
going on, or even whether these people are telling the truth.
6
Hooked? You wouldn't be alone. It's the premise of Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam, a propulsive, penetrating
7
new novel about race, class, and climate change. Because while the true nature of what's going on remains obscure –
8
could it be a terrorist attack, the actions of a rogue only did this profoundly unsettling novel make the shortlist of the US
9
National Book Award, it's also become a bestseller. 1 state? – clues scattered throughout hint heavily at a climate event.
10
Comfort has been at a premium during the current pandemic, and it hasn't always come from expected sources. Never
11
mind cosy home-baking and box sets: readers have turned not just to beloved classics but also to the often-dystopian
12
genre known as cli-fi-novels in which environmental devastation is a driving force, catapulting protagonists into an
13
apocalyptic "after" or else pinning them in the fast-vanishing "before", with disaster bearing down, inaction endemic and
14
anxiety soaring.
15
Short for climate fiction, cli-fi is a relatively new term for a trend whose long roots extend back to sci-fi. Think JG
16
Ballard's The Drowned World or Ursula K. Le Guin's The Lathe of Heaven, both written at a point in history when
17
frequent wildfires and regular flash floods belonged to the realm of the speculative. In the past couple of decades,
18
contributions from titans of literary fiction, including Margaret Atwood and Cormac McCarthy coming months include
19
Rosa Rankin-Gee’s Dreamland, depicting Britain in 20 years' time, a place of rising sea levels and populist tides. 2, have
20
brought cli-fi into mainstream storytelling. Worsening scientific projections are keeping it there. […] This trend isn't about
21
to lose momentum anytime soon, either – novels poised for release in the
22
It might seem masochistic to turn just now to tales of havoc and wrenching loss, yet these cautionary narratives also
23
offer catharsis, a degree of hope, sometimes humour. In times of intense worry and rampant uncertainty, they almost
24
seem to hold out the promise of a how-to manual – how to handle crisis, how to deal with calamity, how to simply
25
muddle through. […]
26
Climate fiction feels less and less like fantasy, its fever-dream visions increasingly begging questions not of "if" but
27
"when". Even so, it wouldn't be entirely prudent to look to its pages for practical tips on how to survive an apocalypse.
28
Not that they aren't there. Lie low until the initial mayhem subsides. Follow the animals for safe drinking water. Always
29
be ready to run.
30
As a child, Rankin-Gee took dystopian novels very seriously. "As soon as I read Z for Zachariah of my future in
31
Dreamland are not future at all – they are things that have already happened.", I packed my Karrimor backpack with odd
32
tins of food, spare underwear and some rope. I was ready to go at any minute," she recalls. Her own novel, Dreamland,
33
which will be published in April, stars Chance, a heroine born just four years from now. Sea levels are rising, but it's also
34
hotter. "That's the scary part," she tells BBC Culture. "Many elements
35
Plenty of cli-fi novels, she notes, jump-cut to the moment after the catastrophe has occurred, giving protagonists the
36
benefit of hindsight. "I wanted to write the 'during'. The characters are not nostalgists, they don't have a great deal to
37
romanticise. At the same time, they're not bleak or despondent – they're just continuing to live with what they're faced
38
with."
39
Though quick to point out that this isn't a book intended to yield clues on how to survive, Rankin-Gee believes that "in
40
the writing and reading there can be a stoic working through of things. And that sense we look for in all books, film, art –
41
connection, that we are not alone." It's one of the recurring themes of cli-fi: not only are we not alone, we're vastly
42
stronger together. Even with zombies and monster rats on the rampage. […]
43
There is a necessary limit to the succour that cli-fi can offer. While it shows us that even in the midst of a global
44
pandemic, things could always be much worse, the problem is that our being distracted from it hasn't made looming
45
environmental collapse go away. For Rankin- Gee, there's a worry that a genre that eyes humanity's extinction risks
46
"normalising" climate breakdown, painting pictures so bleak that we're left with an unintended – and wholly false –
47
sense of reassurance. "Then I remember the climate deniers, and the fact that a basic normalisation is still a crucial part
48
of confronting the problem," she says.
49
Optimism is a different matter. As Alam insists, "I have to find optimism, you've no choice but to go on." He finds it in the
50
next generation, in the ability of children to see with clarity rather than turning away, to act decisively rather than pretend
51
that buying the recycled coffee filters will have an impact. That same belief in the future is embedded in his novel, a
52
book that – like so many other excellent examples of not only this genre, but of literature in general – reminds us of
53
something else, just as vital to survival: there is always a place for art, no matter how grave the crisis.
Source: Anderson, Hephzibah. "The rise of apocalyptic novels". BBC Culture. January 11, 2021.
Accessed January 11, 2021 from https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210108-the-rise-of-apocalyptic-novels.
Accessed January 11, 2021 from https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210108-the-rise-of-apocalyptic-novels.
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Note:
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text. It must be noted that our conclusions contain only some of the possible aspects. Students can also find a different approach to argumentation.
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text. It must be noted that our conclusions contain only some of the possible aspects. Students can also find a different approach to argumentation.
1
- environmental destruction as a central theme, climate fiction revolves around the impact of environmental issues, particularly climate change
- dystopian settings, cli-fi often presents a future world in a state of crisis, either on the brink of an environmental catastrophe or already grappling with its aftermath
- these settings create a sense of urgency and heighten tension in the narrative
- have an underlying message about environmental responsibility and the urgent need for action
- while cli-fi is a genre that originated in science fiction, it is usually based on scientific research and predictions about climate change
features of cli-fi
- relevant and topical subject matter
- involvement of well-known literary figures in the cli-fi genre, have brought the genre to mainstream attention and expanded its audience
- as climate change becomes an increasingly critical global issue, people are drawn to stories that reflect their concerns about the environment and its impact on humanity
- provides a fictional space in which readers can address their fears and anxieties about a possible climate-related future
- cli-fi often serves as a call to environmental awareness and activism
- use of scientific research and projections lends credibility to cli-fi narratives
- ethical questions are raised about humanity's relationship with nature, the consequences of unchecked industrialization, and responsibilities to future generations
- while cli-fi often depicts bleak scenarios, some narratives also offer a glimmer of hope, showing human resilience and the potential for positive change
- may be inspiring to readers facing climate challenges in the real world
reasons for pupularity of cli-fi
2
The author's attitude toward cli-fi and its potential impact on readers can be characterized as both appreciative and cautionary.
Introductory sentence
- he acknowledges the rising popularity and relevance of cli-fi
The genre's ability to capture readers' attention is conveyed a sense of excitement and appreciation
- as well as offering them hope and even humor in times of uncertainty and worry
- the author describes cli-fi as a genre that offers a "manual" for dealing with crises and disasters
- believes that these cautionary tales offer readers a way to confront their fears and anxieties about the future
- anderson also acknowledges the genre's roots in science fiction and its transformation into a mainstream narrative through contributions from prominent literary figures
Main Body
appreciative attitude
appreciative attitude
- at the same time, the author takes a cautious stance toward the depiction of climate-related futures in Cli-Fi
- but warns against a possible normalization of climate collapse
- by painting bleak pictures of environmental collapse, there is concern that some readers may be left with a false sense of reassurance that human extinction is merely a fictional scenario
- the author points out the existence of climate deniers and stresses the importance of addressing the real problem and not displaying complacency in the face of environmental challenges
cautious attitude
- Overall, the author's attitude toward fiction seems to be a mix of enthusiasm for its ability to engage readers and address pressing environmental issues
- while being wary of the delicate balance between conveying hope and inadvertently normalizing the extent of climate change
- The author acknowledges the power of storytelling to foster connections and strength between people, and reinforces the notion that literature, including cli-fi, has a role to play in shaping our understanding of and response to global crises.
Conclusion
3.1
“In times of intense worry and rampant uncertainty, [cli-fi novels] almost seem to hold out the promise of a how-to manual – how to handle crisis, how to deal with calamity, how to simply muddle through.” (ll. 23-25)
- reading literature, including cli-fi novels, can indeed offer valuable insights and guidance to people in their search for direction in life
- the quote suggests that in times of intense worry and uncertainty, cli-fi novels can serve as a metaphorical "how-to manual," providing readers with lessons on how to navigate crises and catastrophes
- this concept can be extended to literature as a whole, as various genres and narratives offer unique perspectives and wisdom that can resonate with readers and guide them through life's challenges.
- the extent to which literature helps individuals in their search for direction depends on several factors:
Introduction:
Reference to the quote
Reference to the quote
- literature allows readers to immerse themselves in the lives and experiences of characters, fostering empathy and a sense of connection
- through identifying with characters' struggles, readers may gain valuable insights into their own emotions and circumstances, which can aid them in making decisions and finding direction
Main Body
Literature as guidance for life
Empathy and Connection
Literature as guidance for life
Empathy and Connection
- many literary works explore universal themes and moral dilemmas, presenting characters' choices and consequences
- these narratives can act as mirrors, reflecting readers' own choices and helping them understand the potential outcomes of different paths
Themes and Moral Lessons
- literature often features characters who display strength, resilience, and courage in the face of adversity
- literary role models can inspire readers to adopt similar qualities in their own lives, helping them overcome challenges and find their way forward
Inspiration and Role Models
- certain literary works delve into existential and philosophical questions, prompting readers to reflect on the meaning of life, their values, and their purpose
- this introspection can guide individuals in defining their goals and aspirations
Exploration of Philosophical Questions
- literature offers an escape from the daily stresses and challenges of life, allowing readers to gain a fresh perspective on their own circumstances
- this shift in perspective can lead to new ideas and solutions for personal growth and decision-making
Escapism and Perspective
- however, it is essential to recognize that while literature can be a valuable source of insight and direction, it is not a replacement for critical thinking, professional advice, or personal experiences
- literature can act as a catalyst for self-discovery and introspection, but individuals ultimately need to engage actively with their lives, making intentional choices based on their own values, beliefs, and circumstances
Literature as one tool for orientation in life
In conclusion, reading literature, including cli-fi novels, can be a powerful tool in assisting people on their search for direction in life. Through empathy, inspiration, introspection, and emotional release, literature provides readers with valuable perspectives and insights that can guide them through uncertain times. However, it is essential for readers to approach literature with an open mind and actively apply the lessons and wisdom they gain to their own lives for meaningful personal growth and decision-making.
Conclusion
3.2
Cli-Fi in Schools: Fostering Environmental Awareness Through Literature
Title
Dear Goodreads community,
- today I would like to address the growing trend of cli-fi (climate fiction) literature and its potential impact on raising students' awareness of environmental issues when introduced into schools
- as we know, literature has the power to shape thoughts, stimulate discussion, and inspire action. In this context
- Cli-Fi novels can serve as powerful educational tools that uniquely teach students about the consequences of climate change and the urgent need for environmental stewardship
Introduction
- excerpt from Hephzaibah Anderson's article highlights the popularity and relevance of cli-fi novels
especially in times of uncertainty
- one example is "Dreamland" by Rosa Rankin-Gee, which projects a Britain facing rising sea levels and populist floods in just two decades
- these dystopian visions, while fictional, serve as cautionary tales that encourage reflection on the future we are currently shaping
Main Body
Reference to the article and book
Reference to the article and book
- immersing students in cli-fi narratives can help them understand the potential consequences of inaction and indifference to environmental issues
- can stimulate discussions about real-world challenges and inspire a sense of responsibility to protect our planet
- by identifying with the cli-fi characters, students can emotionally connect with the plight of those affected by climate change
- can lead to greater compassion and motivate students to advocate for environmental sustainability
- critical thinking and problem-solving skills are required by the complexity of the story
- students learn to analyze cause-and-effect relationships and understand the long-term impact of human actions on the environment
Advantages of integrating cli-fi into the curricula
- however, the use of cli-fi in schools must be taken with a grain of salt
- as Rosa Rankin-Gee points out, there is a danger that by presenting overly bleak and apocalyptic scenarios, climate collapse is inadvertently normalized
- educators should therefore strike a balance between raising awareness and providing glimmers of hope
- it is important to present cli-fi novels as a stimulus for meaningful discussion rather than as fuel for despair
- supplementing cli-fi literature with real-world environmental studies, scientific research, and community initiatives can strengthen students' understanding of climate issues and empower them to take action
Challenges which must be addressed
- in conclusion, the inclusion of cli-fi novels in educational settings can significantly contribute to raising students' awareness of environmental issues
- students are stimulated in terms of empathy, in critical thinking
- develop a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental protection
- however, it is critical that educators approach the issue with sensitivity, encourage open dialogue, and empower students to actively participate in shaping a sustainable future
Conclusion
So let's harness the power of literature, both in school and beyond, to inspire a generation of environmentally conscious and proactive people.
Enjoy reading and learning!
Closing