Sometimes, defining science fiction can be maddening, as Quentin Cooper points out in his BBC article. James Gunn defines science fiction as “the branch of literature that deals with the effects of change on people in the real world as it can be projected into the past, the future, or to distant places. It often concerns itself with scientific or technological change, and it usually involves matters whose importance is greater than the individual or the community; often civilization or the race itself is in danger.” Ender’s Game, a novel by Orson Scott Card, embodies this definition perfectly. The novel explores concepts such as breeding children for battle, the threat posed by the Buggers to humanity, the transformation of a child into a killer, and the prioritization of humanity’s needs over an individual’s well-being. All of these elements highlight how well Ender’s Game fits into the genre of science fiction. Gunn’s definition also connects science fiction to scientific and technological advancements, which is evident in Card’s novel where children are genetically engineered to become flawless soldiers and are trained for warfare in space.
In the novel, children are implanted with Monitors, small devices placed on their necks that monitor their emotional and physical well-being until they reach the age of 5. This technological advancement exemplifies the genre of science fiction, as described by Gunn. According to Evnine, science fiction is a genre that encompasses various theories and is primarily rooted in tradition. In Card’s novel, the Wiggins family defies the traditional norm of having two children, as they have produced two exceptionally talented children whose personalities do not align with the military’s requirements. However, they are given another opportunity with Ender Wiggins, the third child in a society where families are limited to two children. Ender possesses intelligence and strategic abilities, combining the best traits of his older siblings. The family has been chosen to create the ultimate soldier, and this time they succeed.Scientific advances have enabled the prediction of genes suitable for military use. Test tube babies demonstrate our ability to select specific genes for manifestation in children. However, our understanding of genetics and DNA is still insufficient to predict an individual’s reaction in certain situations accurately. T. N. Palmer asserts that while actions can be modeled or measured multiple times, the resulting predictions may still be completely incorrect. The military was unsure if Ender would turn out like his psychopathic brother or empathetic sister. Nevertheless, they took a risk, hoping to acquire the one person or thing that humanity needed the most.
In Card’s novel, a boy named Ender Wiggins is chosen to save the entire human race. This aligns with Gunn’s definition of the science fiction genre, where the importance of matters often surpasses that of the individual or the community. Throughout the novel, Ender’s purpose to save the world is emphasized, starting from his conception. While most children are free to enjoy carefree lives, Ender’s well-being takes a backseat to the fate of the world. Colonel Graff informs Ender’s family that he has been chosen and their consent was given when he was conceived. Ender is separated from his family for six years but they can correspond with each other. However, Ender never receives the letters from his family as the story progresses.The transition Ender goes through, from regularly being with his family to completely losing all contact with them, perfectly exemplifies Gunn’s definition. This is because Ender must undergo extensive conditioning for warfare, even at the expense of his mental well-being and loss of innocence.
We witness the transformation of a meek six-year-old character from victim to aggressor in Card’s novel. This reflects the connection between science fiction and the real-world changes that impact individuals. Throughout the book, the concept of change is explored, both from an Earthly perspective and from the confines of outer space. The most prominent change occurs when Ender, the protagonist, moves from North Carolina to a battle school located in the stars, far from the general population. Furthermore, he experiences significant mental growth. Initially, Ender is constantly bullied by his older brother Peter. However, his time at Battle School forces him to shed his vulnerability. During his first journey to Battle School, a boy begins hitting him, but Ender refuses to passively endure the abuse. Instead, he seizes the boy’s arm, flips him over, and sends him flying across the ship. This incident results in a broken arm for the bully and causes inner turmoil for Ender, who does not wish to harm others despite being a target himself. This internal conflict recurs often throughout the story. Ender possesses the determination to fight when necessary but prefers non-violence. This transformation is crucial as Ender must evolve from a boy into a capable leader within a short period.
All of these stressors, which can weigh heavily on a person, especially a young boy like Ender, lead him into more and more fights. He fights not by choice, but out of necessity for survival. Many other children despise him for his success and even wish death upon him. Ender’s mental fortitude is not a matter of preference but rather a necessity. Another theme discussed in Gunn’s definition is the precarious and potentially fatal state of the entire human race, as depicted by the imminent third wave of the Bugger Wars in Card’s novel. This necessitates Ender’s rapid training for war. Not every child is chosen for battle school, but Ender, as mentioned earlier, was conscripted into service from birth. He not only effectively belongs to the government as a third child who should not exist, but he has also been specifically bred for the purpose of fighting the Bugger Wars that endanger humanity. Although these wars have nearly ceased, an incoming third wave, unbeknownst to the general population, perfectly exemplifies this part of Gunn’s definition. While not everyone is aware of the impending danger, including Ender himself, the higher-ups of the IF are aware and are determined to ensure that Ender is as prepared as possible to confront it, even if it means pushing him through the ranks faster than protocol suggests.
Card’s novel showcases examples that align perfectly with Gunn’s definition of science fiction. These examples include the prioritization of humanity’s fate over individual needs, the transformation of an innocent child into a skilled soldier, the deliberate breeding of children for battle, and the threat posed by the Buggers. Each provided definition in this expansive genre adds to its inherent ambiguity. However, occasionally, a writer emerges who manages to capture an otherworldly experience that prompts readers to contemplate their daily lives. As Tansy Rayner Roberts eloquently stated, “One of the most intriguing aspects of science fiction and fantasy is their ability to offer diverse perspectives on topics related to the body, mind, medical technology, and our way of life.”
