Download Historical Fiction Guided Notes

Historical Fiction
Guided Notes
Definitions and Descriptions
• Historical Fiction is realistic fiction set in a
time remote enough from the present to be
considered history, usually set apart by one
generation (which is typically defined as
twenty years).
• Like all realistic fiction stories, historical fiction
narratives are imaginary and the events and
character’s actions must be within the realm
of the possible.
• In historical fiction, actual historical events,
authentic period settings, and real historical
figures blend with imaginary characters and
plot. An imaginary story is constructed around
the facts.
THINK – PAIR - SHARE
• Complete a Venn diagram detailing the
similarities and differences between realistic
fiction and historical fiction.
There are 3 types of
historical fiction.
Historical Fiction 1:
Imaginary and Real
Characters
• The first type of historical fiction and
the most common form has
imaginary main characters, but some
secondary characters may be actual
historical figures. These stories
usually depict a significant historical
event, such as a war, an economic
depression, or a natural disaster
Example: Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes
• Set in the Revolutionary War period, this story
tells of Johnny, a fictitious character,
apprenticed to a silversmith. In the course of
the story, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and
Paul Revere are introduced as minor
characters.
Historical Fiction 2:
Cultural References
• The second type of historical fiction depicts
the physical location of the story through
descriptions of social traditions, customs,
morals, and values of the period but with no
mention of an actual historical event or actual
historical figures as characters.
Example:
The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth
George Speare.
• The Puritan way of life in Connecticut in the
1600’s is depicted in this story about a young
Kit from Barbados who becomes involved in a
witchcraft trial.
Historical Fiction 3:
Historical Fantasy
• The third type of historical
fiction is not actually realistic
fiction.
• In this type of historical story,
elements of fantasy are found,
therefore disqualifying it from
realistic fiction.
• Time warps, secret portals to
another time, and other
supernatural features are a
subcategory of historical
fiction which are categorized
as historical fantasy.
How do you identify historical
fiction?
Elements of Historical fiction
• Historical Events: Authors of Historical Fiction will write about
important events and phenomena that happened in the past.
These are usually events that significantly impacted people
living at that time.
• Real Places: Fictional stories set in the past often take place in
real places that are relevant to the story.
• Cultural Artifacts: Fictional Stories set in the past must
include cultural artifacts from that time to make the setting
believable. This might include objects, music or artistic
references, television shows or movies, hairstyles and
clothing.
How do you identify historical
fiction?
Elements of Historical fiction (Continued)
•Historical Language and Slang: People spoke
differently in the past. In Historical Fiction, you will read
accents, vocabulary, and slang that you don’t use
today. You will mostly read familiar language and words
because, for th reader to understand the story, it has to
be told in a modern voice.
•Realistic Characters: In some works of Historical
Fiction, there are real, important characters from
history. In other works, the characters are fictional, but
live in a real, historical time.
As you begin reading, look for universal themes
in historical fiction:
• Several reoccurring elements are evident
throughout modern selections of historical
fiction.
• The most common themes are the effects of
war, family closeness in times of trouble,
seeking refuge, opportunity through
immigration, and economic challenges.
In Conclusion:
• Through historical fiction, young adults have
an opportunity to learn by living vicariously
through the lives of people long ago – people
from different cultures and from different
parts of the world.