One way is by looking at the setting. If it's a made - up world with magic and non - existent creatures, it's likely genere fanstay. But if it's a real - world place during a known historical period, it's probably historical fiction. For example, Middle - earth in 'The Lord of the Rings' is clearly a fantasy world, while London during the Victorian era in a Dickens novel is historical fiction.
You can also consider the characters. In genere fanstay, characters might have superhuman abilities or be non - human entities like elves or dwarves. In historical fiction, characters are usually human and are shaped by the historical context. For instance, in a fantasy story, a character might be able to fly without any technological aid. In a historical fiction about the Industrial Revolution, a character might be a factory worker dealing with the new economic and social changes of that time.
Another aspect is the plot. Genere fanstay plots often revolve around saving the world from an evil wizard or a dark force, which is not based on real historical events. Historical fiction plots are more likely to be about real - world issues of the time like political unrest, social inequality, or cultural clashes. For example, a fantasy plot could be about a group of heroes trying to destroy a powerful magic ring. A historical fiction plot could be about the fight for women's rights in the early 20th century.
Well, genere fanstay usually creates its own rules and universes. It can be completely detached from our reality. Take 'Harry Potter' for example. It has a whole magical world with spells and magical beasts. On the other hand, historical fiction has to be somewhat tethered to historical facts. It might fictionalize characters or events to an extent, but it still has to be believable within the context of the historical period it represents. So while fantasy can go wild with imagination, historical fiction has to stay closer to what we know actually happened in history.
Another way is to check the characters. In nonfiction, the characters are real people. In historical fiction, while there may be real historical figures, there are also often fictional characters created by the author. Consider a book about the American Revolution. Nonfiction would focus on real leaders like George Washington. Historical fiction might include a fictional young soldier's perspective.
One way is by looking at the focus. If the story is centered around the general lifestyle, culture, and social aspects of a particular time, it's likely period fiction. For example, if a book is all about the fashion trends in the 1920s, it's period fiction. But if it's about the Great Depression as an event and how it affected people's lives with real historical data and events incorporated, it's historical fiction.
You can also consider the ratio of fact to fiction. In fictionalized history, the facts usually dominate and the fictional parts are added sparingly to make the history more accessible or interesting. For example, in a fictionalized account of a historical revolution, most of the events leading to the revolution are real and only a few side stories are fictional. In historical fiction, the fiction often takes center stage. The historical setting and events are there to support the fictional plot. For instance, in a historical fiction about a medieval castle, the love story between the fictional characters is the main thing and the castle's historical details are secondary.
One way is to look at the source. If it's based on real - life events, it's more likely a story. Fiction often comes from the author's creative mind with no real - world basis. For example, a war story might be based on historical battles, while a science - fiction story about alien invasions is clearly fiction.
The role of the supernatural also differs. In myths, the supernatural is often used to explain the fundamental aspects of life and the universe. In fiction, the supernatural can be just for creating an interesting plot. In the myth of Prometheus stealing fire from the gods, it's about the origin of fire for humanity. In a fictional horror story with a ghost, it's mainly for scaring the readers. Fiction is more flexible in terms of genre and style compared to the more traditional forms of myth.
Look at the language. Literature usually has a more refined and elaborate language, while popular fiction uses more common and easy - to - understand language. For instance, in literature, you might find long, descriptive passages and complex sentence structures. In popular fiction, sentences are often shorter and more to the point.
Well, in literature, fiction often includes elements like magic, made - up worlds, and extraordinary characters. Take 'The Lord of the Rings' for instance. It's set in a fictional Middle - earth with elves, hobbits, and wizards. Nonfiction is about real things. You can tell by whether the story could happen in the real world. Nonfiction might talk about historical events like World War II or the life of a famous person. Fiction gives you an escape into a world of the author's creation, while nonfiction educates you about the real world.
Well, in a bookstore, the literature section may have a mix of things. There could be books on history, philosophy, and also novels. Fiction, though, is more straightforward in that it's mainly novels and short stories. If a book has a 'based on a true story' label, it's on the edge of being literature but might also be considered a fictionalized account within literature. Whereas a book with a completely made - up world and characters is clearly fiction.
Look at the writing style. Literature often has a more sophisticated style, while pulp fiction is more straightforward. Also, consider the depth of the themes. Literature usually has deeper, more thought - provoking themes.