Just because I can". To the Mars and Back: A Study of the Rebirth of Science Fiction in Andy Weir's The Martian

Science fiction works have usually been misjudged as works that do not fit to either scientific studies or fictious literary works. The most optimistic views have considered the genre mere imaginary works that tell farfetched scientific stories that might happen one day after thousands of years. This literary genre has been revolutionised at the hands of many famous novelists and critics, for example, H.G.Wells, Isaac Asimov and many others. These changes were mainly concerned with introducing technological advances and possible scientific achievements to attract different readers. Andy Weir's The Martian as the researcher tries to prove, has revolutionised the whole science fiction genre. In this novel, Weir over crossed traditional boundaries of science fiction genre to include the traditions of the robinsonades and the detective stories. Even the way Weir presents science is different from the heritage of science fiction works. Science and technology in The Martian has nothing to do with aliens and weird advanced technology, it rather depends on already known scientific theories and usual forms of technology. The real difference and the main focal point is mainly on the Martian himself, Mark Watney, who managed to survive alone on Mars for over 500 sols by using his knowledge of science. Even on the narrative side, Weirmanages to combine between the rigid fixed form of diaries and the interesting sense of humour that overcomes any feeling of disappointment. This allowed Weir to invite his readers to go along an interesting journey to Mars and back without any remorse or feeling of boredom. Through the use of the thematic approach, the researcher explores the journey of Mark Watney to study and to analyse the form and theme of The Martian.