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