Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes romantic, often melodramatic adventure, set mainly or entirely in outer space, generally involving conflict between opponents possessing advanced technologies and abilities. The term has no relation to music and it is analogous to "soap opera". Perhaps the most significant trait of space opera is that settings, characters, battles, powers, and themes tend to be very large-scale.
Sometimes the term space opera is used pejoratively to science fiction often combined with mythological themes, but its meaning can differ, often describing a particular science fiction genre without any value judgement.
Read more about Space Opera: Evolving Definition, History, Definitions By Contrast, Assessment, Parodies, Examples
Famous quotes containing the words space and/or opera:
“With sturdy shoulders, space stands opposing all its weight to nothingness. Where space is, there is being.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (18441900)
“I have witnessed, and greatly enjoyed, the first act of everything which Wagner created, but the effect on me has always been so powerful that one act was quite sufficient; whenever I have witnessed two acts I have gone away physically exhausted; and whenever I have ventured an entire opera the result has been the next thing to suicide.”
—Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (18351910)