Medieval Saints or Sinners - Conflicting Tales
For those of us who are passionate readers of historical fiction related to the Middle Ages, it can be challenging to reconcile our perceptions of historical figures when different authors, whom we respect greatly, paint them in contrasting lights.
As we delve into the rich tapestry of medieval history, we must be prepared to navigate the tangle of subjective interpretations and artistic liberties taken by our favourite authors, in order to firmly plant each character in our imaginations.
This blog is split into two parts, in the first I will explore ways in which we can approach this fascinating task, while in the second I am going to give a quick summary of those historical figures that I personally feel have had contrasting information related about their lives.
How do we approach this?
I guess the most important thing to understand is that by its very nature Historical Fiction serves as a bridge between the realms of fact and fiction. This allows the author to draw inspiration from real historical figures and events, and also to bend or interpret the facts to suit the narrative, while still creating a work of art.
For me when I become interested in a particular historical figure I look for everything I can to read about them. I know there are others out there who love a particular portrayal of somebody and then refuse to read anything else for fear of the person in their imagination being tarnished. I would encourage you to avoid doing the latter as you miss out on viewing these characters through various authors' eyes, each of them bringing their own unique lens shaped by research, biases and creative vision.
Another way to better comprehend the portrayals of different figures is to explore the historical context surrounding them. In this golden age of the internet, information is available at our fingertips, don’t just look in one place, there are many historical accounts, primary sources and scholarly research that can provide valuable insights into their lives and actions. When we delve into multiple sources the result is a solid foundation on which to compare and contrast the various interpretations, allowing us to form our own well-rounded understanding of these historical characters.
We must also understand that as human beings, authors inevitably bring their own biases and perspectives to their work. These may be based on their own cultural or social background, or simply based on the general perspective of the time period in which the work was written. A novel that is written in the 1960s is going to look very different to that written about the same character in the 2010s. If we recognise these biases we can more clearly see why certain aspects of a historical figure may be emphasized or downplayed, and view the narrative with an open mind.
In order to become totally engrossed in a novel, we must not simply read it but ‘feel’ it, the fact that we are reading about history that is hundreds of years old, means the research available to authors often only provides facts, not feelings. The result is that, to be successful, they must establish unique character journeys and transformations; by necessity, these character developments may well deviate from their historical reality. As readers, we should appreciate the opportunity to witness these imaginative character arcs and the creativity behind them, as they all offer insight into the basics of human nature.
The last point I want to make is that historical figures, like many individuals, would have possessed complex personalities and conflicting traits. The beauty of historical fiction lies in its ability to delve into these complexities and present the reader with a more relatable perspective. Rather than attempting to find a definitive portrayal of these characters, instead embrace the diverse interpretation that comes from enjoying different authors.
As readers of historical fiction we have an obligation to remember this artistic license, and as such consider that each interpretation sheds light on different facets of each character's personality, motivations and actions. By recognising the nature of historical fiction, exploring historical context, acknowledging biases and embracing the complexity of individual characters, we are able to see a vibrant tapestry of human history emerging from these different perspectives.
Some historical figures worth pondering
Richard III - Now in all honesty Richard would have to be the most famous of those historical figures who have generated conflicting opinions, depending on who or what you read. My personal opinion is that he is portrayed as much more evil than he actually was. I have to admit however to definite bias here as the first historical novel I read (and the one that led me down this incredible rabbit hole of medieval history and the Plantagenets) was ‘Sunne in Splendour’ by Sharon Kay Penman. Her portrayal of this misunderstood (in my opinion) and highly complex man was incredible, enlightening and heartbreaking. In Phillipa Gregory’s books that tell the story of this interesting period in Plantagenet history, Richard is depicted as being not a very nice person, and of course, we all know of Shakespeare’s version of the story. Despite being the type of person who will read all I can find about characters that I develop an interest in, nothing will ever change my opinion of this man, but certainly, I can understand why others might have trouble…
Simon de Montfort - Now I have to say that Simon is one character where I really do sit on the fence, I am probably hanging precariously over the side of good, but there is a part of me that still clings to the dark side. ‘Falls the Shadow’ very obviously portrays him as the pillar of honesty and honour but in a couple of other books I have read about different characters from the same period I have to admit to being curious. Who was this man who today is considered to be the father of parliament? Obviously, he did many good deeds, but were there others swept away in the light of how bad a king his nemesis Henry III was…
Isabella of France - Well here we have one very gutsy lady, no other queen that I know of invaded a country and deposed her own husband. But who was she really, I have read many books, both fiction and non-fiction about Isabella and to be very honest I am not sure. Was she simply standing up for what was right and for the injustices done to her, or did she deserve the title ‘she-wolf of France’, because it was all a money or power-grabbing exercise and hers very much a self-agenda? We read stories of her being responsible for the Tour De Nesle affair in order for there to be an opportunity for her son to inherit the French throne, was she really that sort of conniving person? My personal opinion is no, but once again it depends on what or who you read…
William de Valance - Now here is a really interesting character, I was totally captivated by ‘Marriage of Lions’ by Elizabeth Chadwick, and felt like William does not deserve what history has said of him. Everything I have read says how he was hated by so many people, and I find that harsh. I am however very curious what others may think of him…
Eleanor of Aquitaine - Okay before everybody starts jumping up and down, I am the first to state that she was the most incredible woman, but once again there is so much to be read about her, there are written biographies galore and each tells her story in a slightly different way with slightly different versions of history. What is fact and what is fiction, will the real Eleanor come forwards…
John of Gaunt - This fascinating man is another where you will read many conflicting stories of him, as unarguably the most powerful and successful of his brothers he was definitely ambitious, but is that enough reason for there to be so much negativity towards him. The other topic that generated a lot of bad press was his relationship with Katherine Swynford, but in this too I ask is that warranted, they obviously were in love, a love that endured for decades, so I ask, who do we really listen to…
The above historical figures are a few that I can think of that have me wondering who they really were, and for most of them, we can read various accounts of their lives and their exploits. I am definitely not saying my thoughts are right or wrong, but I am saying that it may be worth trying to view them with more of an open mind, while taking into account the points above, and realising that multiple interpretations of the same character can coexist.
In closing, I have to say that as passionate fans of medieval history and historical novels, it is wonderful for us to embark on the remarkable journey that occurs when we encounter conflicting portrayals of historical figures. If we truly embrace this opportunity, we not only honour the imaginative creations of various authors, but we are able to foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted individuals who shaped our past, and therefore our future. Regardless of in which direction each novel channels your thoughts about particular historical figures, if it pushes you to explore more and discover the delights of bridging the gap between past and present then I feel the author has done an outstanding job!!
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, it is a little bit different to what I have been writing up till now, but I do feel very passionately about this subject, particularly because it is this love of reading that has brought me to where I am now, about to embark on the journey of a lifetime hosting historical tours based on the very same characters I have been talking about. Have a look around, I would love to have you join me on an incredible time travel adventure with Plantagenet Discoveries Tours.
Max.
Book photo © Plantagenet Discoveries
