Chinese and foreign historical novels are literary works with historical backgrounds as the theme, showing the stories of historical events and characters in the form of novels. While describing historical events and characters, Chinese and foreign historical novels also incorporate the author’s interpretation of history and thinking about contemporary society, which has certain literary value and historical significance. The following will introduce some Chinese and foreign historical novels of the same period.
The ancient Chinese historical novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” is written by Luo Guanzhong, a novelist of the Ming Dynasty in China, and describes the story of the Three Kingdoms period in the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Three Kingdoms period, which actually took place in history, and describes the wars, political struggles, and characters of the Three Kingdoms period. The main characters in the novel, such as Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Cao Cao, and Sun Quan, are distinctive, and the disputes and friendships between them form the main thread of the story. Through the portrayal of events and characters in the Three Kingdoms period, the novel reveals the complexity of human nature and the cruelty of war, with profound historical thinking and human nature exploration.
Western historical novels of the same period as “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” include “The Biography of Isaac · Newton” by United Kingdom writer Walter · Scott. The novel features United Kingdom scientist Isaac · Newton and describes his life and work in the 17th century. The novel is set against the backdrop of real events and characters in history, showing the scientific atmosphere and social landscape of the time. Through the description of Isaac · Newton’s life story, the novel explores the pursuit and research spirit of scientists, reflecting the importance of scientific knowledge and the admiration of rational thinking in society at that time.
Another ancient Chinese historical novel, Water Margin, is also based on historical stories, depicting the story of peasant uprisings in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. The main characters in the novel, such as Song Jiang, Wu Yong, and Lin Chong, are all actual characters in history, and their heroic fighting and spirit of resisting oppression have become the focus of the novel. Through the description of the peasant uprising, the novel reflects the social injustice and the peasant rebellion at that time, and has a strong historical background and social care significance.
Western historical novels of the same period as “Water Margin” include “The Orphan of the Fog” by United Kingdom novelist Charles · Dickens. Set in the slums of 19th-century London, the novel depicts the life experiences and coming-of-age story of orphaned Oliver. The novel reflects the gap between the rich and the poor and the alienation of orphans in United Kingdom society at that time, and criticizes social injustice. Through the description of Oliver’s encounter and growth, the novel conveys the light of human nature and the call for social reform, with profound humanistic care and social significance.
Chinese and foreign historical novels have been rich in creation and expression in different periods, depicting historical events and characters, and also incorporating reflections on contemporary society and exploration of human nature. These historical novels not only show the richness of history and the diversity of human beings, but also inspire people’s understanding of history and thinking about the future. Historical fiction is an important form of literature, which not only inherits history and culture, but also provides valuable inspiration and reflection for contemporary society.
