2. Historical Realism Week 9 Lecture2 “The past is a foreign land; they do things differently there” (LP Hartley, The Go Between) EDU11GCL - Genres in Children’s Literature

3. Voice and perspective in historical fiction I question the idea that the only kind of book that can help a child through a problem is a book about that very problem. From my own experience I would say that many children in the grip of great trouble cannot face their problems and will reject books about those problems. But a book that is set in a parallel world - fairyland or wonderland or the future or the past, a parallel world in which things are happening on a rational basis - can sometimes be the way to acceptance. Anne Schlee, (1987)

4. Past and Present History is a dialogue between past and present We learn from the achievements and failures of the past, but we select the details to consider The selection is based in modern ideas But each age can rediscover the details of the past and reinterpret Thus the past is continuously being reconstructed by the present

5. Past and Present When you write a story that takes place in times long past, you are more free. Your readers have less prejudice and will accept your tale with open minds Erik Christian Haugaard Characters not as prescribed by modern realities Modern stakeholders of the past - interpretations Alternative perceptions depending on your “side”: Vietnam - communist aggression or war of independence? Joan of Arc - deluded rebel or national saint? Aborigines (Aust., US, Africa etc.) - noble primitives, uncivilized savages, protectors of the earth, troublesome injuns …?

6. Voice and perspective Possibilities of perspective : Stories of real historical characters Stories of wholly imaginary characters Stories of real events Stories of imaginary events Stories in real, identifiable settings Stories in imaginary settings

7. Voice and perspective Possibilities of voice : 1st person Stories told directly by real characters Stories told directly by imaginary characters 3rd person Stories told about those characters by a narrator

8. Voice and perspective Who is telling the story? Whose perspective are we getting? Are they real or imagined? How does this impact on the language they use: Is it contemporary, everyday English, colloquial equivalents, “Gadzookery” or carefully researched authenticity? How does this affect the narrative voice?

9. Voice and perspective What values are expressed ? Do the values reflect today’s more enlightened times? E.g. the roles of women, racial attitudes, political and social authorities, modern medicine or attitudes to life and death. Characters have to act in accordance with the values and beliefs of their time.

10. Voice and perspective Do the themes illuminate the problems of today by examining those of yesteryear. These themes may include: meanings of freedom; loyalty and treachery; love and hatred; acceptance of new ways; closed minds verses questioning ones; the struggle between good and evil.