English · Boston College
What is at stake in reimagining history through fiction? In this course, we consider the development of historical fiction from the eighteenth century to the present. We will investigate important settings for historical novels, including: the Middle Ages as seen through legends of King Arthur and Robin Hood; the French Revolution; the Reform Act of 1832; and American slavery. Topics will include: the claims of realism and the powers of fantasy; the relationship of space to time; the rise of nationalism; the representation of violence; and the power of fiction itself to shape history. Theories
