historical fiction jessica dockter university of minnesota 2009 adapted from beth brendler 2008

Historical Fiction

Jessica Dockter University of Minnesota 2009Adapted from Beth Brendler 2008

Historical Fiction• Reflects life as it was lived in

the past • Imaginative writing• The history is true &

accurate• Requires careful & detailed

research

Helps students understand…• history is created by

people • people living now are

tied to people living in the past

• what we do now can make a difference in the future

Historical Fiction• Gives a human actor /

reactor to historical incidents– Extends students’ personal

connections to history

• Makes it is easier to approach difficult issues

Scott O’Dell Award

• Started in 1982 – annual • Writer from US for a meritorious

book of historical fiction published the preceding year

Scott O’Dell Award• 2009 -- Laurie Halse

Anderson Chains

• 2008 – Christopher Paul Curtis Elijah of Buxton

• 2007 – Ellen Klages The Green Glass Sea

• 2006 – Louise Erdrich The Game of Silence

Historical Realism • Written as

contemporary fiction – now historical – Little Women – Tom Sawyer– Huck Finn

Historical Accuracy • History interpreted• Facts understood only in

light of the present• Solid research is essential

Historical Research• Consistent with historical

evidence• Remain within the limits of

the chosen historical background

• Reflect people who are human, with strength and weaknesses

• Authentic social details• Richly detailed setting

Based on Family History• Bud Not Buddy by

Christopher Paul Curtis

• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor

Based on Family History• Birchbark House • Stories about Erdrich’s

family who lived on Madeline Island in Lake Superior

Evaluating Historical Fiction• Meets criteria for good

narrative fiction• Events and attitudes

– consistent with historical evidence

– appropriate to the time period• Social issues portrayed

honestly, without condoning racism and sexism

Evaluating Historical Fiction• THE SETTING

– integral to the story– VIVID– consistent with historical

and geographical evidence (no anachronisms)

Evaluating Historical Fiction• LANGUAGE PATTERNS

– historically authentic – in keeping with the

mood, setting, and characterization

– understandable

Evaluating Historical Fiction• Well-developed characters

– feelings, values, and behavior reflect the period

– dynamic (they grow & change)

• Plot based on authentic facts

• Theme echoes larger historical concerns

Plot and Theme• Historical facts …

– should not overburden the story

– should be part of the background, setting, events, characterizations, language, & ideas

• Reader should not consciously notice them, yet they shape & propel the story

Plot and ThemeThemes should reflect

a macrocosm of the era and microcosm of the story

Example: a war for

independence and a personal struggle for independence