Importance of Historical Fiction in Perceptions of the Past

These are stories that aren’t too strict in upholding facts. Yet, despite being primarily fictional, historical fiction still impacts how people perceive the past.

As in the name, historical fiction is any fictional story set in a historical context. Although its description still provides some wiggle room, as some stories feature real events and characters, the genre is still fundamentally categorized as fictional with some embellished details. So, if storylines are typically fictitious, what is the importance of historical fiction, and how does it impact people’s perceptions?

 

Why Historical Fiction Matters

“History repeats itself.”

This age-old adage reminds people how mistakes and experiences may reoccur. This can be brought about by unavoidable repetitive patterns of human behavior or societal and political issues that have yet to be resolved. But it can also simply be because people have failed to learn from the past.

However, regardless of the causes, one thing is certain: people don’t like to be revisited by things they already regret or have mourned. This is where the value of historical fiction comes in.

For instance, in historical novels about theft and murder, readers learn of motivations that push people to commit these crimes. This not only allows people to understand these behaviors but also teaches them how to avoid triggering them. Readers learn the consequences of certain decisions, avoiding the possible repetition of similar situations.

 

Brings History to Life

Although some may refer to historical fiction as a glorified version of a historical book, historical fiction is more than beautiful gowns and grand gestures of love. When authors craft these stories, they don’t simply think of ways to romanticize older days or maximize the vintage aesthetic to lure potential readers. Instead, they write these stories to allow people to see through the eyes of the forgotten.

The beautification of the past isn’t the central motivation of the genre. It’s the celebration of the past that paved the way for today’s present.

 

Presents Life Through the Forgotten

Historical fiction, especially when accurately written, offers a more inclusive picture of the past. It helps society preserve, recover, or develop tales that have been forgotten, celebrating figures and advocacies that the modern generations may have overlooked. Historical fiction delivers what happened, and its fictional side allows readers to vicariously be in those situations and feel what those people felt.

This not only teaches readers the information but also allows them room to be perceptive and subjective in their insights. Historical fiction allows readers to feel the past, which helps them come up with personal interpretations of why things happened.

 

How Historical Fiction Influences People’s Beliefs About History

A significant reason historical fiction can help shape people’s beliefs about history is its genre itself. As fictional stories, historical fiction gives authors quite the liberty to change or embellish parts of history as they deem necessary.

Although this doesn’t give them authority or the credibility to rewrite what truly happened, it allows authors to provide different historical perspectives.

Humanizing the Past

Beliefs are formed, if not through experiencing situations, through how people make sense of them. In historical fiction, authors have the space to extend what may have happened in the past.

Through factual information, they can place themselves in the shoes of the people who were there, interpreting how they must’ve approached circumstances and expressing what they must’ve felt. This makes history more understandable or relatable, especially emotionally.

Alternative Perspectives

Historical fiction allows readers to interpret history in different ways, giving them enough space to consider different viewpoints by adding emotion to factual information.

Emotional Engagement

Authors add an emotional layer to history through their stories. Although these are still fictional in nature, they’re written critically. This means authors fully consider situations the characters were exposed to. What must they have felt during these events?

By writing under past circumstances, historical fiction evokes emotions in the reader. This allows them to empathize with characters and connect deeper with them.

Critical Thinking

Historical fiction gives readers a full view of history, transcending timelines and minute factual information and allowing them to live in history. Despite being fictional, these stories spark readers’ critical analysis or considerations. They give readers enough space to understand history meaningfully, from the human experience to motivations, struggles, and triumphs.

How Authors Should Thread the Line Between Accuracy and Artistry

Given the impact and importance of historical fiction in shaping contemporary beliefs, authors are responsible for ensuring they positively impact the mold.

Creative Choices Strengthen History, Not Destroy It

Simply because it’s historical fiction doesn’t mean the author has the authority to change the course of history. Historical accuracy in fiction is still an integral factor. This is essential to avoid misleading the masses into believing in the wrong information and developing a harmful interpretation of history.

Authors have the responsibility to ensure they aren’t misleading their readers. Sure, they have the artistic freedom to expand history according to what they believe people have gone through. However, they should restrict themselves from adding information, especially in record gaps.

While historical fiction can be a powerful tool for appreciating history, it can also be a ground for misinterpretation through biased narratives. This is why authors should still uphold accuracy in writing their stories.

Why Historical Fiction is a Necessity in Literature

In conclusion, historical fiction is a valuable tool for not only learning about history but also appreciating it. The role of fiction in understanding history is critical, as it helps bridge the past and the present emotionally—a relatively strong connection that can withstand time.

However, although the genre gives authors the creativity to embellish history, it should still be approached critically to avoid biased interpretation. Historical fiction keeps history alive through storytelling, an enduring tool to help people understand and dive into their roots.

It’s vital to keep the past present for the future.

If you’re interested in reading a historical fiction about Colonial New England with a dash of mystery and a perfect intertwining of historical characters and events with fictional characters and events, Pamela Roberts Lee’s The Darkness at Dawn is the perfect book for you. Grab a copy of The Darkness at Dawn today!