Abstract
This research aims at studying Kamila Shamsie’s novel, In the City by the Sea (1998) using the theoretical
framework of historiography by Hayden White and historical fiction by Richard Slotkin. In the City by the Sea
portrays one of the most significant periods in the political history of Pakistan. According to White and Slotkin’s
critique on historiography and historical fiction, both have the same purpose of presenting the events of past to the
audience of present. With both forms different to each other, these forms use technique of narrative to tell the story.
This research paper purports that historical fiction is more useful method in the present age as compared to history.
History just presents events of the past, historical fiction on the other hand presents us with a critique of past using
the imaginative and creative way. It urges us to learn through the mistakes of the past to make future better. Another
important element that is missing in history books is the element of hope that the historical fiction brings with it.
This study will further employ critiques from multiple theorists including Foucault, Guiles Deleuze and Felix
Guattari to affirm the presented argument.
Hasnain Saleem, Hasnain Saleem, Muhammad Owais Ifzal. (2021) A Metahistorical study of Kamila Shamsie’s In the City by the Sea (1998)., Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, Volume-58, issue 3.
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