Historical Material in Maurice Gee's The Fire-Raiser

Authors

  • Vivien van Rij Faculty of Education Victoria University of Wellington

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26686/knznq.v0i0.796

Abstract

Award-winning New Zealand writer, Maurice Gee, has written five realistic novels for children, each set during a defining period in New Zealand history. This essay examines Gee’s use in The Fire-Raiser of historical material, particularly that related to Nelson Central School and its lively headmaster, F. G. Gibbs. Through his accurate reproduction of precise detail Gee vividly evokes small-town New Zealand during World War I. But Gee also adapts historical material in order to pursue his ideal of balance.

Vivien van Rij is a lecturer in Victoria University's Faculty of Education, specialising in children's literature and literacy.

Correspondence about this article may be directed to the author at vivien.vanrij@vuw.ac.nz

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Author Biography

Vivien van Rij, Faculty of Education Victoria University of Wellington

Vivien van Rij is a lecturer in Victoria University's Faculty of Education, specialising in children's literature and literacy.

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Published

2012-10-11

Issue

2012: Kōtare : New Zealand Notes & Queries

Section

Articles

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