Does Historical Fiction Have to be True?

The question of whether historical fiction needs to be true is a complex and intriguing one. Let us explore this puzzle, demystifying the nature of truth and examining the role of narrative accuracy in historical storytelling.

Defining "True"

The term "true" can be perplexing when it comes to historical fiction. By definition, historical fiction acknowledges that it is a form of fiction, which means that the content is altered for dramatic purposes. However, there is a deeper issue at play: history itself is not a straightforward representation of the truth. While it might seem that way, history is a narrative built upon incomplete and often conflicting sources.

No science is inherently true in the same absolute sense, but for our discussion, we will focus on how history is constructed from the available data. Sources such as diaries, letters, and documents are often incomplete and subject to interpretation, leading to differing historical accounts.

Narrative Accuracy in History

Even when we have perfect and consistent data, history is still a narrative. It is not a set of hard, concrete facts that can be quantitatively measured, such as in physics. You cannot specify the 'mass' of a religion or the 'velocity' of an innovation. History is inherently fuzzy and relies on narrative to convey meaning and context.

There are very few unambiguous statements one can make about historical events. For example, the Battle of Thermopylae could be summarized as: 'The Spartans died at Thermopylae, and the Persians continued but were delayed long enough to evacuate Athens.' Similarly, the invention of the cotton gin might be stated as: 'Witney applied for a patent in 1794, and while he probably had a working model and the idea before that, the patent was not approved until later. When exactly should we date the invention?'

Writing and Simplification

When it comes to writing history, even the longest of books will require simplifications and concessions for the sake of narrative coherence or space. This is why internet arguments about history often involve people taking a single statement and insisting it needs more detail or elaboration. For instance, the claim that wartime reparations were 'unfair' to Germany is a simplification that overlooks the complexity of the issue.

The Obligation of Historical Fiction

A more pertinent question might be: Does historical fiction have an obligation to stick to the facts? This question is more arguable and offers a clearer perspective on the role of historical fiction in modern culture. Indeed, historical fiction does have an obligation to stick to the facts, especially for the following reasons:

Accessibility and Education

Many people do not read history or might not learn about historical events in their education. Historical fiction can provide a valuable means of learning from history without the dryness of academic texts. Fiction can enhance understanding and engagement, making historical narratives more accessible and relatable. However, it is crucial that this fiction does not pervert or misrepresent the facts. For example, depicting the Spartans' role in Thermopylae as 'little' is significantly different from claiming they fought their way across the Hellespont or that Leonidas personally sacked Persepolis. The latter oversimplification could falsely elevate certain events or characters.

Enhancing Narrative

Another reason for the obligation to stick to the facts is that it often makes for better fiction. Most writers tend to underestimate their creativity. The real world is already filled with incredible stories and events that far surpass the imagination of even the most creative writer. By drawing from actual historical events and figures, writers can create narratives that are both compelling and authentic. Historical accuracy enhances the depth and richness of a story, making it more engaging for readers.

In conclusion, while historical fiction is not bound to absolute truth, it does have an obligation to present the facts in a way that is both accurate and engaging. This balance ensures that readers can learn from and enjoy historical narratives without the risk of being misled by fictional inaccuracies.