Family dynasty novels often use the family as a microcosm of society. For example, in 'Gone with the Wind', the O'Hara family's experiences during the Civil War and Reconstruction show how the South changed. Their loss of wealth, changes in social status, and the shift in values are all reflections of the broader historical and social changes. The slaves' new - found freedom also affects the family's dynamics.
1970s historical fiction often reflected the social changes through themes like the struggle for civil rights. For example, in some works, the experiences of African - Americans were explored, showing the ongoing fight for equality. Also, the changing role of women was a theme. Some novels had female characters breaking traditional gender roles.
Flapper historical fiction showed the new freedom of women. In the 1920s, women started to break traditional norms, like wearing shorter skirts and cutting their hair short. Flapper - themed novels often had female characters who did these things, showing their new - found independence. Also, the parties and nightlife in these fictions reflected the more hedonistic side of the society at that time.
The roaring 20s historical fiction was a mirror of the rapid social changes. The Prohibition era led to the rise of speakeasies, which were often depicted in these stories. This showed the conflict between the law and the public's desire for alcohol. The changing family dynamics were also a theme. With more young people seeking independence, as seen in works that explored the generation gap. For example, the younger characters in many novels were more interested in modern music, dancing, and a more liberal lifestyle compared to their conservative parents.
It showed through character development. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', the characters' behaviors and dreams were shaped by the new - found wealth and changing social classes in the 1920s. The roaring twenties brought about a sense of new freedoms and excesses which were reflected in the story.
The African novel often mirrored the social changes. During colonial times, it showed the struggle against foreign rule. After independence, it reflected the hopes and challenges of building new nations, like issues of governance.
In Jet Age historical fiction, the development of jet technology influenced the economy. This is reflected in stories where new industries related to aviation sprang up. There were also changes in class. The wealthy could afford to fly more often, and this created a new social divide. Social values also changed as the world seemed smaller. People became more aware of different cultures, and this is often depicted in the fiction through characters' interactions and their changing attitudes.
In many Jazz Age historical fictions, the changing role of women was a big part. Women started to break free from traditional norms. In stories like 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', the female characters were more assertive in their relationships and social standing. Moreover, the economic boom of the Jazz Age led to a new class of wealthy people, and this was often depicted through the extravagant lifestyles in these fictions. The literature also sometimes touched on the underbelly of this new prosperity, like the corruption and moral decay.
Post - WWI historical fiction often showed the disillusionment. People had lost faith in the old ideals after seeing the destruction of war. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', soldiers return home to find a world that doesn't understand them.
The 1970s novels were mirrors of the changing times. The sexual revolution was a big part of the 1970s, and Erica Jong's 'Fear of Flying' was a prime example of how novels reflected this. It explored female sexual liberation in a way that was new and shocking for some at the time. Also, environmental concerns were starting to surface, and some novels may have had undertones related to this. For instance, in stories that focused on nature, there could be a sense of the need to protect the environment, although it wasn't as blatant as in later decades.
In the 1980s, there were significant social changes. Novels like 'A Confederacy of Dunces' reflected the unique cultural and social fabric of New Orleans at that time. The 1980s was also a time of political conservatism in some aspects, and some novels either supported or critiqued this. For instance, some works explored the impact of Reagan - era policies on different groups of people. Moreover, the AIDS epidemic started to be a topic in some novels, showing the new health and social challenges of the decade.