This post asks a simple, yet compelling question - when is something fact
and when is it fiction and when should a piece of literature be called fiction and when should it be called faction?
To start, here's a taste of what I think - if something is presented as real, some aspect of it has got to be fact.
However, although something may be presented as fiction, yet set in a factual context, it still isn't regarded as fact as it's fiction and therefore, isn't true.
Extending my question further, I ask is fiction isn't factual by definition, whereas non-fiction supposedly is, what is it when it's based on fact?
Consider for example whether something is presented as realistic, non-realistic, or semi-realistic and then of course, there's 'faction'.
If you were to look up the word "faction", you'll find that it's a "portmanteau" (a blend of two, or more, words or morphemes into one new word) in this case fiction and fact.
But is it fiction based on fact, or fact turned into fiction?
Whenever I read a fictional work that's set within a factual setting and with descriptions pertaining to factual events and factual sounding people, I have to ask myself whether it ought to be called fiction, part fact, part fiction, faction, or both.
What can I say? I ask questions...
To start, here's a taste of what I think - if something is presented as real, some aspect of it has got to be fact.
However, although something may be presented as fiction, yet set in a factual context, it still isn't regarded as fact as it's fiction and therefore, isn't true.
Extending my question further, I ask is fiction isn't factual by definition, whereas non-fiction supposedly is, what is it when it's based on fact?
Consider for example whether something is presented as realistic, non-realistic, or semi-realistic and then of course, there's 'faction'.
If you were to look up the word "faction", you'll find that it's a "portmanteau" (a blend of two, or more, words or morphemes into one new word) in this case fiction and fact.
But is it fiction based on fact, or fact turned into fiction?
Whenever I read a fictional work that's set within a factual setting and with descriptions pertaining to factual events and factual sounding people, I have to ask myself whether it ought to be called fiction, part fact, part fiction, faction, or both.
What can I say? I ask questions...
I don't care for stories that blur the lines between fact and fiction. It leads to confusion, and sometimes intentionally so. Things like Hollywood biopics that take liberties with the source material or the memoir/novel "A Million Little Pieces" annoyed me. Better to clearly state something as fact or fiction
ReplyDeleteHi Nigel. Thanks for your interesting comment. Personally speaking, I find most f not everything with a Hollywood brand mark stamp on it is definitely one for the blurred fact/fiction category bin. I'm with you all the way ; )
DeleteJohn
Asking questions is a good thing ;-) You will see I fixed the Ireland problem (lol)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. I know : ) and I really liked your response. About fixing the Ireland problem - do you really think that's possible? I'm kidding of course, well, sort of...
DeleteJohn