Define Historical Fiction

Imagine standing next to George Washington as he crossed the Delaware, able to feel the December chill and fear the ice flows in the river. The purpose of historical fiction is to breathe life into such events so that they are more than facts on the page. It gives personality to portraits and depth to the lives of everyday people. Historical fiction is categorized as taking place more than 50 years in the past and based on research rather than the personal experiences of the author. It also must capture the spirit of a bygone era and not use historical settings to explore contemporary issues or ideas.

Trials and Tribulations

One type of historical fiction explores how famous individuals endured the tough moments in their lives. It does more than state that Mary Todd Lincoln witnessed the death of her husband and three of her sons; it focuses on the personal side of those losses that led to her descent into madness. Historical fiction delves into the human toll at Valley Forge in 1777-78 and does not gloss over the details of a bitterly cold winter.

Real Situations

The most popular form of historical fiction places fictional characters in real situations. It allows the author tremendous creative freedom in interpreting events through the eyes of ordinary individuals, who stand in for the reader.

Esther Hoskins Forbes did this in 1957 with "Johnny Tremain," about a boy who joined the Sons of Liberty and participated in the Boston Tea Party. James Fenimore Cooper takes the same approach with Natty Bumppo, the woodsman guide known as Hawkeye, in "The Last of the Mohicans," placing him and several British servants in mortal danger during the French and Indian War. Stephen Crane used it to great effect by slipping an untested soldier into great battles in "The Red Badge of Courage."

Fictional Situations

Fictional characters can also be placed in fictional situations that are centered on real events. Scarlett O'Hara, in Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind," does not participate in Sherman's March to the Sea, but she is a victim of it nonetheless. The story focuses on her ordeals throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction without her being involved in any of the battles or other famous incidents associated with the conflict.

Time Travel

Some historical fiction borders on science fiction. For instance, a character can travel back in time to meet Benjamin Franklin days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence or a historical figure can travel to the present day, exploring the differences between his time and ours.

Alternative Histories

Alternative histories often begin with a strong basis in historical fiction. Actual people participate in actual events, only to experience different endings. At some point, this type of story also borders on science fiction, as the author explores the possibilities of history. Harry Turtledove does this in his 2003 novel, "In the Presence of Mine Enemies," which views world history with the premise that the United States did not enter World War II, leading to German victory.

References

• Forward Motion for Writers

Resources

• Historical Novel Society