Using Artifacts in Literature: Historical Documents, Objects of Personal Significance, Photographs, Letters, Maps, Diaries and Artwork

Introduction

An artifact is an object or document that serves as a physical representation of a culture, event, or person in the past. In literature, artifacts are often used to add depth and realism to a story by providing readers with tangible evidence of what happened in the past. This article will explore the various types of artifacts that can be used in literature and discuss the benefits of using them.

Historical Documents

Historical documents are documents from the past that have been preserved for future generations. They can include legal documents, religious texts, government records, and other written materials. These documents can provide valuable insight into the cultures and events of the past and can be used to bring life to a story.

Benefits of Using Historical Documents as Artifacts

Historical documents can help to create a more realistic setting for a story. They can also provide readers with a better understanding of the culture, beliefs, and customs of the time period in which the story takes place. By incorporating historical documents into a story, authors can give readers a more complete picture of the characters and the events that take place in the story.

Examples of Historical Documents Used as Artifacts

In the novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, the protagonist, Liesel Meminger, uses a stolen book to teach herself to read. This stolen book serves as an artifact that helps to illustrate Liesel’s determination and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. The book also serves as a symbol of hope and freedom for her in a time of darkness and despair.

Objects of Personal Significance

Objects of personal significance are items that have special meaning to an individual or group. These objects can range from jewelry and clothing to photographs and heirlooms. They can provide readers with a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, as well as the events that take place in the story.

Benefits of Using Objects of Personal Significance as Artifacts

Objects of personal significance can help to create a more emotionally charged atmosphere in a story. They can also provide readers with an intimate look into the lives of the characters and the events that take place in the story. By incorporating these objects into a story, authors can give readers a more meaningful and personal connection to the characters and the events of the story.

Examples of Objects of Personal Significance Used as Artifacts

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the character Atticus Finch wears an old watch given to him by his father. This watch serves as an artifact that helps to illustrate Atticus’ strong sense of morality and justice. It also serves as a reminder of Atticus’ past and the values that he holds dear.

Photographs

Photographs are pictures taken to capture a moment in time. They can be used to illustrate a character’s life and the events that take place in a story. Photographs can also be used to evoke emotion and create a stronger connection between readers and the characters in the story.

Benefits of Using Photographs as Artifacts

Photographs can help to create a vivid image of a character or event in a story. They can also evoke emotion in readers and provide them with a more personal connection to the characters and events of the story. By incorporating photographs into a story, authors can give readers a more vivid and meaningful experience.

Examples of Photographs Used as Artifacts

In the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, carries around a photograph of his deceased brother, Allie. This photograph serves as an artifact that helps to illustrate Holden’s grief over the loss of his brother and his desire to protect children from the same fate. The photograph also serves as a reminder of Holden’s past and the memories he holds close to his heart.

Letters

Letters are written correspondence between two or more people. They can be used to illustrate relationships between characters and provide readers with insight into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Letters can also be used to evoke emotion and create a deeper connection between readers and the characters in the story.

Benefits of Using Letters as Artifacts

Letters can help to create a more personal atmosphere in a story. They can also provide readers with a deeper understanding of the relationships between the characters and the events that take place in the story. By incorporating letters into a story, authors can give readers a more intimate look into the lives of the characters.

Examples of Letters Used as Artifacts

In the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the character Elizabeth Bennet receives a letter from her sister Jane that reveals the truth about Mr. Darcy’s actions. This letter serves as an artifact that helps to illustrate Elizabeth’s changing opinion of Mr. Darcy and her realization that she may have misjudged him. The letter also serves as a reminder of Elizabeth’s past experiences and how they shape her present decisions.

Maps

Maps are visual representations of an area or region. They can be used to provide readers with a better understanding of the geography of the story and the locations of the characters. Maps can also be used to evoke emotion and create a stronger connection between readers and the characters in the story.

Benefits of Using Maps as Artifacts

Maps can help to create a more immersive atmosphere in a story. They can also provide readers with a better understanding of the geography of the story and the locations of the characters. By incorporating maps into a story, authors can give readers a more complete picture of the characters and the events that take place in the story.

Examples of Maps Used as Artifacts

In the novel The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, the characters use maps to navigate their way through Middle-earth. These maps serve as artifacts that help to illustrate the characters’ journey and their courage in the face of danger. The maps also serve as a reminder of the characters’ quest and the importance of the mission they are undertaking.

Diaries

Diaries are personal records of an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They can be used to provide readers with insight into the thoughts and feelings of the characters and the events that take place in the story. Diaries can also be used to evoke emotion and create a deeper connection between readers and the characters in the story.

Benefits of Using Diaries as Artifacts

Diaries can help to create a more intimate atmosphere in a story. They can also provide readers with a better understanding of the characters and the events that take place in the story. By incorporating diaries into a story, authors can give readers a more personal look into the lives of the characters.

Examples of Diaries Used as Artifacts

In the novel The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, Anne records her thoughts, feelings, and experiences during her time in hiding from the Nazis. This diary serves as an artifact that helps to illustrate Anne’s strength and courage in the face of adversity. The diary also serves as a reminder of Anne’s past and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Artwork

Artwork is any type of creative expression that can take many forms, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. It can be used to provide readers with a better understanding of the characters’ emotions and the events that take place in the story. Artwork can also be used to evoke emotion and create a stronger connection between readers and the characters in the story.

Benefits of Using Artwork as Artifacts

Artwork can help to create a more visually stimulating atmosphere in a story. They can also provide readers with a better understanding of the characters’ emotions and the events that take place in the story. By incorporating artwork into a story, authors can give readers a more meaningful and personal experience.

Examples of Artwork Used as Artifacts

In the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, the character Dorian Gray has a portrait painted of himself. This portrait serves as an artifact that helps to illustrate Dorian’s vanity and selfishness. The portrait also serves as a reminder of Dorian’s dark past and the consequences of his choices.

Conclusion

Artifacts can be used to add depth and realism to a story. They can provide readers with a more meaningful and personal connection to the characters and the events of the story. Historical documents, objects of personal significance, photographs, letters, maps, diaries, and artwork are all examples of artifacts that can be used in literature. By incorporating these artifacts into a story, authors can give readers a more vivid and immersive experience.

Summary of Benefits of Using Artifacts in Literature

Artifacts can help to create a more realistic setting for a story and provide readers with a better understanding of the culture, beliefs, and customs of the time period in which the story takes place. They can also evoke emotion and create a deeper connection between readers and the characters in the story. By incorporating artifacts into a story, authors can give readers a more meaningful and personal experience.

Final Thoughts on Using Artifacts in Literature

Artifacts can be used to add depth and realism to a story. They can provide readers with a better understanding of the characters and the events that take place in the story. By incorporating artifacts into a story, authors can give readers a more meaningful and personal experience.