Development Dynamics and Poetics of the Historical-Romantic Novel Genre in Modern English Literature

Abstract

This article explores the development dynamics and poetics of the historical-romantic novel in modern English literature from the late 20th to the early 21st century. Grounded in contemporary literary theory, the research examines how the traditional boundaries of historical narrative and romantic fiction have evolved into a sophisticated genre synthesis. By analyzing thematic structures, narrative strategies, and characterization techniques in key Anglophone texts, the study highlights a shift from conventional period costume dramas toward complex, introspective, and meta-fictional interpretations of the past. Special attention is given to the representation of gender roles, memory, and cultural identity, alongside the interplay between documented historical reality and romantic idealization. The findings demonstrate that the modern historical-romantic novel functions not merely as escapist entertainment, but as an active, critical re-examination of history through the lens of human emotion and subjective experience. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of genre hybridity and stylistic innovation in contemporary English prose.