The end of the world
Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic literature, known interchangeably as the literature of apocalypse or disaster and its aftermath, represents a subgenre of science fiction. The film revolves around the end of civilization due to catastrophic events such as nuclear war, pandemics, external threats, divine rule, climate change, or any other form of disaster. The narrative may unfold immediately after the catastrophe, focusing on the survivors' struggles and psyches, or in the aftermath when civilization collapses into oblivion or descends into myth, with little or no technology remaining.
Historical significance:
The popularity of the genre rose after World War II, with growing global awareness of the potential destruction of the world through nuclear weapons. However, the roots of apocalyptic literature go back to at least the early 19th century. Furthermore, the genre includes a variety of literature, metaphors, and interpretations that span centuries.
Ancient precursors:
Ancient myths across civilizations spoke of prophecies and visions of the future, often predicting the end of the world and human society. It is worth noting that the story of the Prophet Noah and his ark symbolizes the end of corrupt civilization and the creation of a new world. In the first centuries AD, various works described periods of devastation, the Book of Revelation being a notable example, which summarized prophetic visions of devastation and heralded a new age. The term "apocalypse" itself is derived from Greek and means "lifting the veil."
Early ancestors:
During the early Middle Ages, visionary works appeared discussing periods of devastation. Pseudo-Methodius' "visions" from the seventh century include themes echoed in later Christian apocalyptic literature. The Popes Prophecy, attributed to Irish Saint Malachy in the 12th century but likely dating from the late 16th century, also discusses apocalyptic themes.
Islamic contributions:
In the Islamic tradition, writings on the afterlife, intertwined with Christian and Jewish eschatological narratives, began to appear in the seventh century. The philosopher Ibn al-Nafis dealt with experimental sciences and used them to clarify the ideas of the end times in Islam.
In conclusion, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic literature has deep historical roots, with ancient myths and prophetic writings paving the way for a diverse and enduring genre that explores the human psyche in the face of catastrophic events and the subsequent reimagining of a new world. As "filmxfilm" delves into the worlds of literature, stay tuned for more explorations into the rich tapestry of storytelling.
Pre-apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic 20th century
The roots of apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic literature can be traced back to the 19th century, with Mary Shelley's 1826 novel The Last Man often viewed as the first work of modern English literature in this genre. The story follows a man living in a future world devoid of humanity due to pandemics. However, Shelley's work was preceded by an epic prose poem by the French poet Jean-Baptiste Cousin de Grenville, entitled "Le Dernier Homme" (The Last Man), published in 1805. This piece is sometimes considered the oldest modern work of apocalyptic literature. It delves into the protagonist Omegarus, drawing inspiration from biblical accounts of revelation and the story of Adam and Eve. Unlike other works in this genre that warn of catastrophe or describe survival, Grenfell sees catastrophe as a necessary element for the resurrection of human souls.
short stories
Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Conversation of Eros and Charmion" (1839) engages a dialogue between two souls in the afterlife discussing the destruction of the world. The narrative explores a comet that removes nitrogen from Earth's atmosphere, leaving only oxygen, turning the world into a hellish landscape.
After London” by Richard Jeffries (1885):
Richard Jeffries' novella After London is described as an "early post-apocalyptic narrative". The story is set in England after a sudden, unspecified disaster that wipes out the population, and depicts the countryside returning to natu
Wells contributions
H.G. Wells contributed significantly to the genre with his novel The Time Machine (1895), taking readers on a journey to the year 802,701 AD. The protagonist witnesses the collapse of civilization and the division of humanity into two factions, one benevolent and the other brutal. Welles' War of the Worlds (1898) imagines an Earth occupied by Martians who systematically destroy Victorian England using advanced weapons and spacecraft. It was adapted by Orson Welles on radio, and became one of the most famous works in the apocalyptic genre.