Exploring the Functions of the Novum

Speculative fiction, despite being a growing literary trend in the Philippines, is relegated to the sidelines due to the common misconception that the genre is merely read to escape the burdens of life. This study attempts to counter this claim by exploring and analysing how science fiction, a specific strand of speculative fiction, precipitates the discussion of different themes and human experiences through the existence of thenovum, a literary element that is unique to science fiction. Through the combined frameworks of Eric Rabkin and Darko Suvin, this study demonstrates how the novumpermeates itself within the formal elements of the selected science fiction short stories. Moreover, this study shows how the novumhas literary and social functions for it creates an organic unity within the text and it explores certain themes that can be described as "Filipino," as proven by the stories' similarities with selected sources of local media that are based on realism.