Steampunk is a difficult genre to define. The term “steampunk” applies to both novels and movies as well as other forms of media. Movies such as Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes” and Paul Andersons “Three Musketeers has done much bring the steampunk genre into the mainstream and away from the counter-culture “punk” movement. While it’s difficult to give a short definition of what steampunk is the genre has certain common elements.
Characteristics of Steampunk
While there are many exceptions, the majority of steampunk novels and movies take place in the Victorian era, particularly in England. While the setting is important perhaps the defining characteristic of the steampunk genre is the focus on technology. A steampunk novel or movie must contain advanced technology that has yet to be invented or more likely never will be. The fantastic or supernatural often occur in the steampunk genre but this element is not absolutely necessary.
Steampunk in Literature
Steampunk as a literary movement can be traced back to 19th century authors, particularly Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Mary Shelley. These authors all lived in the Victorian era and wrote about technologies that did not exist at the time. The Victorians were more concerned with how technology effects morality (Shelly’s Frankenstein being a prime example) rather than creating an atmospheric setting. Steampunk novels written in the 20th century by writers such as William Gibson and K.W. Jeter can be more accurately described as Victorian fantasy or science-fiction.
Steampunk in Other Media
The steampunk genre is more than books and movies. Now there is steampunk bands, clothes, art and even jewelry. Many would describe steampunk as more of an aesthetic rather than movement. Even within literature steampunk has branched out to include steampunk horror and erotica.
Sources:
Scott Larning; “A Beginning Guide to Steampunk Literature,” Abebooks.
What is Steampunk?