Historical fiction

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Historical fiction is a literary genre that takes place in the past. The setting is drawn from history, and often contains historical persons. Writers of stories in this genre work to portray the manners and social conditions of the persons or time(s) presented in the story, with attention paid to period detail.[1]

Definition

In her preface to the book , Lynda Adamson debates the true definition of the term "historical fiction." She states that a "generally accepted definition" is a story "about a time period at least 25 years before it was written," but she respectfully disagrees, saying that people will view a novel as "historical" if it is about a past time period, even if the author was writing about his or her own times (she gives Jane Austen as an example; people will view Austen's works as historical, even if they were not intended in that way). Adamson offers her own definition: "If the setting is in a time earlier than that with which the reader is familiar, it is historical fiction."[2]

Historical fiction presents a story that takes place during a notable period in history, and often during a significant event in that period. Setting usually takes priority in a work of historical fiction, and the author should be making some sort of statement or observation about the period where and/or when the work is taking place.[3] Historical fiction often presents events from the point of view of fictional characters of that time period. Events portrayed in historical fiction must adhere to the laws of nature.

In some historical fiction, famous events appear from points of view. Historical figures are also often shown dealing with these events while depicting them in a way that has not been previously recorded. Other times, a historical event is used to complement a story's narrative, occurring in the background while characters deal with situations (personal or otherwise) wholly unrelated to that historical event. Sometimes, the names of people and places have been in some way altered.

Artistic license is permitted in regard to presentation and subject matter, so long as it does not deviate in significant ways from established history. If events should deviate significantly, the story is likely to be classified as alternate history. This is defined by presenting and exploring a different outcome of an historical event, for instance, if the South had won the American Civil War. speculating on what could have happened if a significant historical event had occurred differently.

"...They demonstrate that history, however disorderly, remains meaningful. History can still enable humanity to know itself and its condition, and in the historical novel, especially the type devoted to recapturing the way it was, history often finds its most legitimate realization." (Cowart, 1989)

Literature

For more details on this topic, see historical novel.

Historical literature includes the works of authors that epitomize a specific period in history. Historical literature has been written since at least the 20th century BC. Examples include:

Media and culture

Works of historical fiction are not reserved to literature. Many films have been created which use a historic event or setting as a backdrop, with actors portraying fictional or historical figures participating in these events.

Film and television

Main article: Epic film

These are expensive and lavish to produce, as they are seen to require panoramic settings, on-location filming, authentic period costumes. In many cases, they were produced on an epic scale, with large casts of characters. Biographical films may be less lavish versions of this genre. They are sometimes called costume dramas for their emphasis on the outward aspects of the period setting: historical pageantry, costuming and wardrobes, locale, spectacle, decor and a sweeping visual style.[4]

Among the numerous examples are:

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Search - Encyclopedia Britannica". Britannica.com. Retrieved 2013-10-12. 
  2. ↑ Adamson, Lynda G. (1999). World Historical Fiction. Phoenix, AZ: Orxy Press. p. xi. ISBN 9781573560665. 
  3. ↑ "Historical Fiction". ReadWriteThink. International Reading Association. Retrieved 10 January 2014. 
  4. ↑ "Epics - Historical Films". Filmsite.org. Retrieved 2013-09-25. 
  5. ↑ "The Canterbury Tales (1998–2000)". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2013-10-12. 

External links

Look up historical fiction in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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