Answer :
Final answer:
Act 2 of 'The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street' is marked as science fiction because it features aliens observing humans, highlighting human fears and behaviors. This distinguishes it from fantasy, which often includes magical events. The narrative effectively explores themes relevant to human nature through the lens of an alien encounter.
Explanation:
Identifying Science Fiction in The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street
In Act 2 of The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street, the aspect that distinguishes it as science fiction rather than fantasy is the premise of alien observation of human behavior. Specifically, the story revolves around the alien visitors observing the chaos that unfolds among the residents when fear and suspicion set in. This reflects a common theme in science fiction where extraterrestrial beings engage with humanity, often revealing deeper truths about human nature. For example, the narrative presents aliens not just as distant and omnicompetent beings but as entities closely watching the human condition, similar to themes found in classics like The Day the Earth Stood Still, where aliens arrive to issue warnings about humanity’s self-destructive behaviors. In contrast, fantasy often involves magical elements that do not adhere to the rules of reality, such as whimsical transformations or mythical creatures without basis in science.
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