Writing the Past in Twenty-First-Century American Fiction

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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.