Is Historical Fiction Nonfiction? Debunking the Myth
Every story, whether it be fiction, non-fiction, or something else, becomes historical once it is published. This age-old debate often puzzles readers and authors alike, with mixed opinions on what truly defines these literary genres.
The Lines Blur: Fiction and Nonfiction
The line between fiction and non-fiction can indeed be blurry, especially when considering historical fiction. The great author Mark Twain once said, Fiction is much harder than non-fiction to write with fiction you have to at least try to make it sound believable with non-fiction you don’t need to worry about that. This quote reminds us that while non-fiction does not necessarily require a believable scenario, historical fiction often has to walk the tightrope of historical accuracy while maintaining the literary artistry of fiction.
A Tangled Web of Terms
What complicates matters is the term historical fiction. If something was already non-fiction, why would it be called historical fiction? This seems redundant at first glance. In fact, when the story is set in the past and includes real events, it is simply called history - independent of whether the narrative is fictional or not.
Historical Fiction Explained
Historical fiction, as the name suggests, is a blend of historical events and fictional characters or scenarios. One prime example is the film Forrest Gump. The main character is fictional, but many events depicted are historically accurate. Forrest was merely placed in the mix of these real historical occurrences. Another example is Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, where characters are placed in the Victorian era with events of that time serving as the backdrop.
Are Historical Events a Must?
Consider the renowned historical fiction novel The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. While it captures the historical setting of the 12th century, the plot itself revolves around building a cathedral, with characters representing good and bad guys. These events, however, were not real. Even the background is laden with historical trappings, but the plot itself is fictional. The novel is a masterful blend of history and creativity, showcasing how historical fiction can exist independently of real events.
The Core Definition
So, is historical fiction non-fiction? Strictly speaking, it is fiction. It can be divided into two categories:
The story describes the actions of characters who did not historically exist.
It involves real persons doing or saying things that are known to have not happened (or are known to have happened in other contexts).
In essence, historical fiction is a genre that uses the past as a setting and often blends real historical events with fictional narratives. It is a unique blend that respects the past while also allowing for the imaginative leap of storytelling. Historically, fiction does not have to be wholly believable, whereas non-fiction does not need to involve the past for it to be considered true in its context.
A Summation
In conclusion, historical fiction is fiction that uses the past as a backdrop. It can incorporate real historical events, making it appear more real and grounded, but the core narrative is still fictional. Whether this genre is considered non-fiction or fiction ultimately depends on the specific work and how it handles historical events. Understanding the distinction is key to appreciating the unique contribution of historical fiction to the literary world, bridging the gap between reality and imagination.