The Relationship Between Romance and Realism in American Historical Fiction: Clotel and the Scarlet Letter Anonymous College

American fiction has been dominated by historical romances since Sir Walter Scott coined the genre with Waverley in 1814. American historical fiction indicates that the literature is unique in its character to any other nation; but instead, in ‘the absence of [specific] history, [an] […] ahistorical, mythical shape for which the term “romance” is formally and historically appropriate’[1]. This defines American historical fiction to much greater success. Romance novels approach views of the world through an idealistic manner. Realism, on the other hand is a literary device which focuses on the faithful representation of reality without elaborate imagery. In defining romance and realism, their contrasting characteristics become evident; but that is not to say they cannot work seamlessly together as Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and Brown’s Clotel illustrate so triumphantly. This essay acknowledges how romance conveys a deeper emotional truth that exceeds the specifics of the tale, whilst maintaining a realist attitude through the employment of accurate historical settings, figures and truths. Specifically, the ironic relationship between romance and realism is outlined within The Scarlet Letter and Clotel and will be explored.

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