does history shape literature or does literature shape the historical period in which a book is written?

Answer 1

History shapes literature. Let us examine: A writer writes within, against, beside, or ignorant of the moment in the writer's period in history. The best writers tend to respond to those who came before them and to those they consider their contempories. A writer cannot respond to writers if he or she has not read a prior work, except by accident. But how can we know for sure?

Literature shapes history. Let us examine: The historian is essentially a storyteller. He or she shapes truth in a manner and vein of trust. We trust that the historian records with care for accuracy. But how can we know for sure?

While the writer and the historian engage culture in separate ways and from different impetuses, art and history coincide; the writer of literature and the writer of history influence each other by strict attention to their seemingly separate disciplines.

Answer 2

Yes. It actually works both ways. Consider a musical analogy: the clashes and troubles of the 1960's definitely shaped the music scene (Woodstock couldn't have happened at any other time period), but the music of artists like Bob Dylan, CCR, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and so on also shaped the Civil Rights movement and reaction to the Vietnam War.

For a more literary example, Shakespeare could not have produced his plays without Elizabethan policies celebrating and encouraging the arts in London. However, the Elizabethan golden age would not have had the same historical impact on the arts if Shakespeare and his plays did not exist.

Art and history are really mirrors of one another. If I were to teach a history class, I don't see how it could be done without samples of the literature, visual art, music, and film of the time period. Likewise, as an English teacher, I always place a text within its historical and artistic context to show how the writer interacted with his/her time period.

Answer 3

Literature defines the historical period, and history shapes literature.

Answer 4

I would definately say that history shapes literature. For most of history, and indeed today, the controlling powers decided which books would be printed and distributed. In France, for example, previous to the twentieth century, the government and the church regularly banned and burned books considered to be 'harmful', i.e. harmful to the government or church. Although, in many instances banning a book, even back in the 1500's proved to increase it's popularity.

If you consider one of the greatest writers in history, Victor Hugo, look at his book, "The History Of A Crime". This is a striking and brilliant work which condemns the misrule of Napoleon II and it details the daily life of the opposing party, which he belonged to, during a hostile government. Hugo lived in fear and hiding from the police until he escaped the country, and told the stories of his friends who became political prisoners or were shot. This book shows how the times in which he lived affected EVERYTHING he wrote.

Alexander Dumas' book, "The Count Of Monte Cristo" was immediately condemned by the Catholic church after it was published and he, the great grandson of an African slave, suffered somewhat from racism, which may be reflected in his recurring themes of vengence and liberty. History is filled with authors who groveled and authors who resisted. Most great literature is in fact, about a citizens role in society, social or political. What IS great literature, but history?

In the modern capitalist age, stupidity is rewarded, if I may offer a frank opinion. But I can't really comment because I never read anything written after 1900, so I look forward to other answers.

P.S. Great writers usually tend to not only write about historical events but to be part of history themselves. Look at Thucydides, an Athenian general who wrote of the Peloponnesian War. or Dostoevsky, who was sent to Siberia as a political prisoner.

P.P.S. Sorry, I get so excited about this...

Answer 5

Literature can explain a historical period but doesn't shape the historical period. Historical period shapes literature...

Answer 6

I tend to believe that history shapes all forms of art and all forms of art shape the historical period of the time. Literature, art, music and all forms of media tend to go hand in hand. This is often the result of history tending to waver back and forth between liberal and conservative periods. It seems like a very conservative period in history is followed by a kind of break out period in the arts. Pax- C

Answer 7

The author's contemporary surroundings influence the writing. Social attitudes can be challenged by the author, but their writing is shaped by what is going on.

So, I would say history has shaped literature, but sometimes authors reshape the present and thereby change future history.

Answer 8

History is what happens, literature is a prospective of that reality.

Answer 9

Did you know that most of the history we have about Napoleon, came from his own hired history writers, according to Leo Tolstoy. Much of which, was edited by himself. How many others out there have there been?

Answer 10

Well, which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Honestly, some people just refuse to realise that the answer to all questions is 42!!!!!