it's still monday somewhere

[callowyn]

Title: History, Fantasy, and How Fanfiction Improves Both
Author: callowyn
Summary/Abstract/Thesis Statement: In which fanfiction is both a vehicle for political opinions and a way to make emotional connections with history.
Fic analyzed: Primarily Rewriting The Old Language by zempasuchil (Merlin)

Comments

[animus_wyrmis]

I would definitely give this essay an A+! I like the distinctions you draw between straight history and rpf, and also I like the discussion of the potential of fantasy to dig into bigger issues, because this is my most favorite thing about fantasy.

Moreover, the nature of fanfiction guarantees an audience who, although perhaps not concerned about or aware of the same issues, can be invited to the discussion by means of the characters they already love.
I had not thought of it quite like this but of course you are right!

[callowyn]

<3! I had vague thoughts about the lack of historical accuracy in Merlin, and how the portrayal of its time period helps or hinders its usefulness as a metaphor, but the only thing that made it out of that train of thought was the bit about pigeon sandwiches. I mean, Merlin clearly isn't trying to be true to history.

FANDOM/POLITICAL DEBATE OTP?

[animus_wyrmis]

Nooo, Merlin is basically going out of its way to be ahistorical. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS SAYS, but I kind of like it? Also, it means that we can have the Idealistic Ruler thing held up instead of, you know, typical early medieval monarchs.

YES FOREVER.

[callowyn]

Like all myths, it's been retold in a way that modern society will relate to and care about. It's sort of already a reflection of the way we see things like government and class and discrimination etc, but fans aren't afraid to GO THERE the way television is. Z has just unclouded the mirror, as it were.