What Rights Do Historical Fantasy Novels Have in Interpreting Public Figures?
The world of historical fantasy is one of creative freedom and imaginative narratives, where the writer can reinterpret and envision historical figures through their own lens. This flexibility of interpretation is what distinguishes these works from purely factual histories, allowing writers like Seth Grahame-Smith to imagine scenes and plot elements that make their characters more relatable and compelling.
Historical Fantasy vs. Pure Historical Novels
Novels, whether they fall under the category of historical fiction or fantasy, are primarily concerned with engaging their audience through storytelling. Unlike the real world, which is constrained by the laws of reality and facts, novels have the freedom to bend and twist historical narratives to create a narrative that is coherent and satisfying. As Seth Grahame-Smith demonstrated with his successful novel, even extreme reinterpretations such as a president decapitating vampires can be embraced by readers and ignored by historians.
For example, in his best-selling book, Honest Abe is depicted decapitating vampires with an axe. While this may seem far-fetched to some, it is an accepted part of the genre. Nobody questions the historical accuracy because the primary goal of historical fantasy is not to provide a didactic historical lesson, but to present a compelling narrative that resonates with the audience.
Biography and Historical Fiction: Interpreting the Past
Biography and history, in their essence, are also forms of interpretation. The narrative of a historical figure is constructed through the eyes and biases of the biographer, and historians often draw from various sources to form a coherent story. Historical fiction and historical fantasy are merely extensions of this interpretative process, using creative elements to explore historical figures in more human terms.
The Role of Creative License in Historical Fantasy
The right to creative license in historical fantasy is unparalleled. Writers can use a wide range of interpretative tools, from research to imagination, to craft narratives that captivate their audience. As long as the writer maintains the suspension of disbelief, these narratives can be both entertaining and educational. In Shakespeare's works, for instance, the blending of historical facts, gossip, and folklore has created some of the most enduring and influential pieces of literature in the English language.
Historical figures, being public figures and not private citizens, are generally not afforded the same level of privacy or protection as living individuals. This means that creators have even more leeway when it comes to depicting or reimagining these figures. However, there are ethical considerations, especially regarding figures who have living relatives. If the portrayal is unnecessarily harmful or defamatory, it could be problematic. But as long as the portrayal is not overly offensive and the subject is a figure from history rather than a more recent historical figure, there should be no significant issues.
Conclusion
Historical fantasy, by its very nature, is a genre that thrives on creative interpretation. Writers are granted the right to express their vision of historical figures, free from many of the constraints that apply to factual reporting. As long as the portrayal is not overtly harmful and the figure is from a long ago era, there is significant flexibility in how these characters are depicted. This freedom is what makes historical fantasy such a vibrant and exciting genre, bridging the gap between history and imagination.