Writing the Past in Twenty-First-Century American Fiction

Exploring the interplay between history and contemporary narratives, this study delves into the works of authors like Ben Lerner and Colson Whitehead, who utilize techniques such as flashbacks and non-linear storytelling. These methods highlight the importance of historical consciousness in modern American fiction, revealing how characters grapple with past crises that influence their present. The analysis presents a compelling argument for a renewed focus on historicity in literature, emphasizing the impact of temporal dislocation on character development and narrative structure.