Historical Fiction

1. ENG 201 Introduction to Literature Prof. Everson Historical Fiction

2. Historical Fiction In general, historical fiction presents a realistic story set in the past, which attempts to capture the time period accurately though events or characters may not have existed.

3. Historical Fiction: • Past time must be remote enough from the present to be considered history. • Writtenabouta time period in which the author has not lived ,or • At least one generation before its composition, or • 50 years ago (this last number is much debated!)

4. Criteria for Evaluating Historical Fiction • SETTING (Place & Time): • Does it take place in a specific location that existed (or may have existed at that time)? Is it described with historically accurate details (geography, buildings, transportation, etc.)? • Is it an authentic period with accurate portrayals for the period (dress, attitudes, social and religious customs, relationships, etc.)? • Is it remote enough from present time to be historical?

5. Criteria for Evaluating Historical Fiction • CHARACTERS: • Does it contain real historical figures (people) with recognizable (famous) names? • Did the historical figures live in the setting (place and time) of the story? • Are the basic known facts about the historical figures verifiable and accurate? • Do the fictional characters behave in ways appropriate for the time period?

6. Criteria for Evaluating Historical Fiction • PLOT: • Did the events take place or could they have taken place? • Are the events or incidents real? Are the events well-known or critical to that time period? • Is the central conflict real or fictional? • Do the fictional characters behave in ways appropriate for the time period?

7. Criteria for Evaluating Historical Fiction • THEME(S): • Are the historical details (setting, characters, and/or plot) used to illustrate a basic or universal truth or condition of life or humanity. • Are the historical details (setting, characters, and/or plot) used to illustrate a historical truth or condition of life or humanity (i.e. this truth or condition is no longer the case today).

8. Forms of Historical Fiction • Historic Fiction(most common type today) • Main characters of the story are imaginary or fictional. • Secondary charactersare actual historical figures or: • Actual historical events are imbedded – part of the plot but not main focus of the narrative. • Provides accurate insight into the period, events or historical figure(s). • Historical romance or historical set-pieces: • Past described with social traditions, customs, dress, (and sometimes morals & values) of the period – exact physical and social details of the period! • Characters are all fictional, but fairly plausible for the period. • No mention of actual historical events– (and sometimes plot is not plausible for period). It is only a historical setting as a past (and thus lost) era or epoch that is being evoked or emphasized. • Historical Fantasy • Historical story containing elements of fantasy • Time warps / mix of time periods or shifts • Supernatural or fantastical features/ghosts

9. Historical Fiction Watch this example of historical fiction • Identify the elements of Historical Fiction that you see in the movie. • Evaluate the story based on the criteria • Determine the form of historical fictionthis movie is.

10. Historical Fiction Assignment Complete Assignment 7 for this selection of Historical Fiction posted on the Wiki Course Materials page.