How to Look at the "Reality" of Historical Fictions
The " truth " of historical novels could be considered from many angles. First, the author had to accurately restore the historical events. The main task of historical novels is to let the readers know the truth of historical events, so the author must have a deep understanding and accurate records of historical events. If the author was able to accurately recreate historical events, then this kind of novel was a true historical novel. Secondly, it depended on whether the novel's explanation and evaluation of historical events were correct. Historical novels could be fabricated and exaggerated to a certain extent, but they had to conform to historical facts and objective laws. They could not distort historical facts. If the novel's explanation and evaluation of historical events did not match the historical records, then the novel was not a true historical novel. Thirdly, it depended on whether the plot and characters of the novel matched the historical facts. The plot and characters of historical novels are usually based on historical background, so the plot and characters of the novel must be consistent with historical reality. If the plot and characters of the novel differed greatly from the historical facts, then the novel could not be called a true historical novel. The fourth was the artistic value and appreciation of the novel. Historical novels can also be a kind of entertainment and cultural products. Therefore, authors should pay attention to the artistic value and appreciation of the novel. They should not emphasize the authenticity of the story and ignore the literary value of the novel itself. In short, to understand the truth of a historical novel, one had to consider it from many angles. Not only did one have to pay attention to the plot and characters of the novel, but one also had to pay attention to the artistic value and ornamental value of the novel.