Historical novel – definition. What is this type of novel?
What is historical? The definition boils down to describing it as one of the types of novels that developed in the nineteenth century. The content of this narrative work is usually quite a complicated, often multi-threaded sequence of events, where historical characters and events are mixed with fictional ones. It is written in prose and full of dialogues. In its classic form, it has an omniscient narrator. Of course, we often deal with modifications of such a pattern.
What is a historical novel? Genesis and types of this kind of works
When considering what a historical novel is, it is worth knowing that there are different opinions about the genesis of such works. Sometimes they are even derived from the ancient ” Odyssey ” Homer. Other researchers pay attention to the importance of chivalrous romances or adventurous romances from the 17th century.
Characteristic for a historical novel is the coexistence of literary and historical levels. One of them may prevail depending on the prevailing fashion, but also the preferences and talents of the author. The Walters Scottish novel, named after Walter Scott, is especially famous here. Author ”Ivanhoe” i ”Rob Roya” and his successors became famous for their willingness to present the colors and characteristics of the epoch. At the same time, historical figures appeared in the background, and the readers were to be attracted by the interesting stories of fictional heroes. Other varieties of the historical novel include: a biographical novel, a diary novel and a historical-fantasy novel. Sometimes there are also smaller types – a gothic novel, a novel of manners or great works to present historiosophical reflections such as ”War and peace” Lwa To³stoja.
Features of a historical novel in Poland – do you know them all?
What are the features of a historical novel in Poland? It is worth noting that such works appeared in our realities at every stage of the development of this genre. One of the precursors was Julian Ursyn Niemcewiczand in the time of Romanticism, it was active Zygmunt Krasiński. However, the most vocal authors were, without a doubt Henryk Sienkiewicz, Bolesław Prus and Józef Ignacy Kraszewski. Later they became famous Władysław Stanisław Reymont and Stefan Żeromski.
Among the authors who are a bit closer to our times, it is worth mentioning:
- Teodora Parnickiego
- Karola Bunscha
- Hanna Malewska
- Zofia Kossak – Szczucka
- Andrzej Sapkowski
- Olga Tokarczuk
The most famous historical novels – examples
What are the most famous historical novels from the genre’s dawn? In the long list, there must be a place for representatives of various nations and traditions. First of all, it is worth remembering:
- Walter Scott – ”Ivanhoe’, ”Weverley”, ”Rob Roy”
- in the books of Alexander Dumas, his father: “The Three Musketeers”, “Queen Margot”, “The Count of Monte Cristo”
- Lwa Tołstoja – ”War and peace”
- Gustaw Flaubert – ” Pani Bovary ”
- Roberta Gravesa
- Umberto Eco – ” Name of the Rose ”, ” Prague Cemetery ”
- Irvinga Stone’a
- Orhana Pamuka
See also:
Source: Gazeta
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
