Plainly put, the definition for anachronism is anything that is out of place in time, such as a modern element appearing in a historical context. Why are anachronisms important, and what’s their function? In this article, you will learn what anachronisms are, the different types that exist, and how they can be used intentionally or accidentally in writing, art, and everyday life. You’ll also discover tips for identifying and avoiding anachronisms in your work and their role in education and cultural discussions.
Table of Contents
What is the definition of anachronism?
Etymology and origin of the term
Importance of understanding anachronisms
Anachronisms in film and television
The role of ananchronisms in education
Avoiding anachronisms in your work
What is the definition of anachronism?
An anachronism (pronounced ah-NACK-ruh-nism) refers to anything that’s out of place in terms of time or chronology.
In writing, an anachronism, derived from the Greek term for “backward time,” occurs when an author intentionally or unintentionally places elements such as historical events, fashion, or technology in a context where they do not belong. Think of a Trojan warrior preparing to face his enemy by revving up the engine of his Mustang convertible or a modern-day teenager stumbling into a Tyrannosaurus rex on her way home from school.
This misalignment can create confusion or add a layer of irony, depending on its use. Considering this fact, it’s not surprising that Shakespeare was known for using anachronisms. However, anachronisms are not just for writing about the past. Today’s writers need to know what anachronism is and how to use or avoid using one, depending on their intention.
Etymology and origin of the term
The idea of anachronism has existed since ancient times, as evidenced by many centuries-old historical and literary analyses of anachronisms by scholars and writers. As mentioned above, the definition for anachronism has Greek roots—ana, meaning “against,” and khronos, meaning “time.” By exploring the etymology and historical usage of anachronism, you can better appreciate its significance in literature, art, and other forms of creative expression. This deeper understanding will allow you to recognize, interpret, and use anachronisms more effectively, whether they appear in historical narratives, works of fiction, or visual media.
Importance of understanding anachronisms
Understanding anachronisms allows you to quickly identify them when you come across them in literary devices and other modes of storytelling. This is particularly important for history and literature students. It’s also essential for anyone who wants to refine their critical thinking and analytical abilities and gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of the content they’re consuming.
For example, if you’re reading a book written in Old English and come across a mention of a family dinner of Big Macs and fries, you’ve got to wonder why it’s there. Is it a historical inaccuracy or an ironic creative liberty taken by the author?
Identifying and evaluating anachronisms in a sentence or in a visual or oral work leads to a deeper understanding of different periods. It also promotes the ability to critically assess contemporary interpretations of historical events and cultural norms, the authenticity of historical representations, and potential frauds or misrepresentations in historical documents and artifacts. In the case of the Old English Big Mac reference, the work is likely either an ironic contemporary piece or a fraudulent or inaccurate piece of writing. Knowing how to tell the difference is important. We’ll talk about how to do that later in this post.
Types of anachronisms
There are four types of anachronisms: parachronisms, prochronisms, behavioral anachronisms, and false anachronisms. Each serves a unique purpose in storytelling and historical representation.
Parachronism: Objects or ideas from the past in a later setting
Parachronisms are when something from an earlier time is inserted into a later period. Imagine a movie set in modern times where someone whips out a rotary phone. That’s a parachronism for you! It’s like that modern-day teen bumping into a dinosaur on her way home—something old popping up where it doesn’t belong.
Parachronisms can be charming, like seeing a vintage car on today’s streets, or they can make you scratch your head, like a World War II soldier wielding a bow and arrow instead of a rifle. They’re great for highlighting how far we’ve come from outdated practices or obsolete objects or for giving us a nostalgic nudge.
Prochronism: Objects or ideas from the future in an earlier setting
Imagine Julius Caesar posting daily to his YouTube channel—that’s prochronism. It’s when something futuristic crash-lands in the past, like ancient Romans checking their emails or Adam wearing a Prada fig leaf when encountering Eve. Writers and filmmakers love using these to create a “Wait, what?” moment to show that some experiences are timeless. These symbolic insertions are also a favorite tool in satire and sci-fi, perfect for making us laugh or think about how technology shapes our lives.
Behavioral anachronisms: Actions and attitudes inconsistent with historical context
Now imagine a historical novel where a character from the 1800s starts ranting about internet privacy. That’s a behavioral anachronism, also called a cultural anachronism. These happen when characters act in ways that don’t fit their time period’s social norms or knowledge. Behavioral anachronisms can pull the audience out of the story immersion and cause them to wonder what is happening. Sometimes, it’s an honest mistake due to a lack of understanding of historical context, but other times, it’s intentional—a clever way to comment on contemporary issues through a historical lens.
False anachronisms: Seemingly out-of-place but historically accurate elements
False anachronisms are the tricksters of the anachronism world. They’re things that seem out of place but are historically accurate. For instance, you might think connecting ancient Romans with sunglasses is a glaring mistake. However, it’s said that Roman emperor Nero held polished gems before his eyes to avoid the sun’s glare. So technically, sunglasses existed and could have a place in a film or text set in ancient Rome, though not in the styles we see today.
Regardless, writers should be careful with false anachronisms. While adding fascinating details, they can also send the audience racing to Google to fact-check. The key is to use these surprising facts judiciously to enlighten your readers without constantly pulling them out of the story.
Anachronisms in literature
Famous literary examples
Shakespeare’s plays are peppered with anachronisms that can go unnoticed by casual audiences but delight literary scholars. In Julius Caesar, characters refer to a clock striking the hour, despite mechanical clocks being nonexistent in ancient Rome. This historically inaccurate anachronism made the play more relatable to Shakespeare’s contemporary audience. Similarly, in The Winter’s Tale, there’s a reference to “Whitsun pastorals,” a Christian festival that didn’t exist until long after the play’s ancient Greek setting. These temporal inconsistencies, whether intentional or due to limited historical knowledge, add a unique flavor to Shakespeare’s works.
Modern novels with anachronistic elements
Michael Crichton’s Timeline is an excellent example of the use of anachronisms in modern literature. In this tale, his modern-day characters travel to medieval France, armed with 21st-century speech patterns and behaviors, creating a notable juxtaposition. This deliberate clash between past and present highlights the differences between eras while demonstrating the timeless aspects of human nature.
Purposeful vs. accidental/unintentional anachronisms in writing
There’s a big, noticeable difference between purposeful and accidental anachronisms.
Purposeful anachronisms are clever literary devices that enhance storytelling by making a point or adding humor. For example, in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, Mark Twain uses them to satirize romanticized views of chivalry.
On the other hand, accidental anachronisms result from a lack of research, knowledge, or attention to detail. They can present as historical inaccuracies that distract readers and undermine the source. Like spotting a medieval knight wearing a wristwatch, it’s amusing but ultimately out of place in an undesirable way.
Anachronisms in film and television
Notable examples in movies
Hollywood often bends history for dramatic effect, but some films take notable and perhaps unintentional liberties with their timelines. Take Braveheart, for example. It’s set in the 13th century during the Wars of Scottish Independence, yet its characters have kilts that wouldn’t appear until the 16th century. Meanwhile, Pirates of the Caribbean sinks its realism ship when Captain Jack Sparrow casually mentions Singapore although the city didn’t exist under that name during the film’s era. Gladiator also steps into the accidental anachronism ring; it shows Roman soldiers using stirrups, which weren’t introduced until much later.
Impact on viewer experience
As we mentioned, sometimes anachronisms are little Easter eggs found only by historians and other savvy audiences. Other times, they’re apparent to anyone paying attention. Regardless, they can significantly affect how audiences engage with or experience a story.
Unintentional anachronisms can pull viewers out of the narrative. When a character in ancient Rome checks their watch, it whips us back into reality, shattering the historical illusion.
Conversely, intentional anachronisms can add depth and contribute to a satirical tone. In Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, modern music in an 18th-century setting emphasizes the timelessness of emotions like teenage angst and societal pressure. By blending eras, Coppola invites viewers to connect with historical figures on a personal level, proving that some experiences transcend time.
Anachronisms in art
Renaissance artists like Raphael and Rubens skillfully blended ancient stories with contemporary fashion, making historical and biblical figures relatable to their audiences. In Raphael’s The School of Athens, Greek philosophers are dressed in Renaissance attire rather than that of ancient Greece, creating a striking visual that connects the past with the present.
Contemporary artists continue this trend. California-based artist Sandow Birk’s The Great War of the Californias features a Civil War–style battle where swordsmen charge into action on motorcycles, while Hawaii-based artist Masami Teraoka plays with traditional and contemporary themes in works like Hamburgers Invading Japan; made in traditional Japanese woodblock print style, it portrays a blond woman with full-sleeve tattoos eating ramen while a traditionally dressed geisha lingers behind her, clinging to a hefty burger.
Why do anachronisms occur?
Anachronisms pop up in our media for two reasons: oops moments and artistic flair.
Lack of research or oversight
Sometimes, creators simply drop the historical ball. Insufficient research can lead to eyebrow-raising errors in historical details—like medieval knights sporting wristwatches or ancient Romans using modern slang. Such misalignments can pull informed viewers out of the story and potentially damage the work’s credibility.
Creative license and artistic expression
On the other hand, many artists and writers intentionally include anachronisms in their work to challenge conventions, make statements, or add humor. Take Quentin Tarantino’s films, for example. Tarantino is famous for blending eras and genres in ways that intentionally blur temporal lines and keep audiences guessing, engaged, and enthralled.
How to identify anachronisms
Now that you know what an anachronism is, let’s explore how to spot one.
Use critical reading and viewing skills
Think of yourself as a historical detective. Watch for out-of-place objects, language, or behaviors and question it when something doesn’t seem like it fits the period. Would medieval knights have wristwatches? Is that Victorian shopkeeper using 21st-century slang? This exercise will enhance your ability to spot anachronisms and deepen your engagement with the material.
Research historical context
If the material you’re exploring features an unfamiliar historical context, brush up on the era’s technology, fashion, language, and social norms and compare what you’re seeing or reading with historical facts. Books, scholarly articles, and reputable online sources are good research and fact-checking sources. The more familiar you are with the context, the easier it will be for you to identify anachronisms.
The role of anachronisms in education
The role of anachronisms goes beyond delighting us in a Tarantino movie and sending us on treasure hunts for errors. Anachronisms can be used as an important educational tool.
Teaching historical accuracy
Anachronisms highlight the importance of research, accuracy, attention to detail, diligence, and mistake-analysis skills while helping students learn about history.
Using anachronisms as learning tools
Anachronisms can inspire engaging classroom discussions around literary criticism. They can also challenge students to think critically about source reliability and intentionality, not to mention make learning history an interactive endeavor.
Instructing students to find and analyze these time-bending elements encourages sharpened interpretation skills and a deeper understanding of historical events and contexts.
Anachronisms in everyday life
Anachronisms aren’t limited to works of fiction, film, and beyond; they abound in everyday life, too.
Common misconceptions and myths
If you’ve ever heard that people in medieval times thought Earth was as flat as a pancake, that’s a myth. The spherical Earth theory has been rolling around since antiquity. Yet it wouldn’t be surprising if this well-established myth ended up in literature—if the author wasn’t fact-checking for anachronisms.
Another common misalignment is attributing modern catchphrases to historical figures. For example, the quote “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” is commonly attributed to 20th-century author Mark Twain, but there’s no evidence that he wrote or spoke this anachronism in a sentence or any other type of communication.
Modern examples of anachronisms
Anachronisms are alive and well in our culture. Just look at the popularity of vinyl records and Polaroid cameras. Both are flashbacks now in everyday, nostalgic use.
Fashion is a leader in more than just trends. Anachronisms are a regular part of contemporary designs, with the latest clothing and accessories often nodding to or replicating the past. There’s no need to hop in a time machine to enjoy the styles of the 1970s. Bell-bottom jeans and patchwork platform shoes are easily found in contemporary boutiques.
Technology isn’t above reminiscing, either. Just consider the record player, the flip phone, and calligraphy. They all nod to times past and may be used for aesthetic purposes.
Avoiding anachronisms in your work
Anachronisms have a purpose, but they are less desirable in a work context since they may need clarification or, if unintentional, inspire distrust in the source. Here, we share tips on how to avoid anachronisms in your work.
Tips for writers and creators
To keep historical work accurate, start with thorough research. Dive deep into the time period and consult historians and trustworthy books for expert insights. Pay close attention to details like clothing, language, and technology to ensure your characters don’t sound out of place. Also use authentic dialogue that fits the era.
Understanding anachronisms is important for recognizing and addressing consistency issues in writing. They also empower you to be a better writer and audience.
The importance of fact-checking
Fact-checking is essential for maintaining credibility in any writing. This is especially true for period pieces, historical fiction, and academic writing. Cross-reference your facts with reliable sources to avoid embarrassing errors.
Quick takeaways
Definition: Anachronism refers to something that is out of its proper time period.
Types:
- Parachronism: Elements from the past placed in a later setting.
- Prochronism: Elements from the future appearing in an earlier setting.
Appearances: Anachronisms can be found in literature, film, art, and everyday life.
Intentional use: Anachronisms serve as literary or artistic devices that can enhance storytelling or provide humor or irony.
Identification: Recognizing anachronisms enhances critical thinking and analytical skills and enables you to identify errors, irony, or humor in text and visual arts.
Avoidance: To avoid anachronisms, thoroughly research the period in question and pay close attention to details in works you are creating or evaluating.
Anachronism FAQs
What is an anachronism in literature?
An anachronism in literature is an element—such as an object, a phrase, or a behavior—that doesn’t belong in the story’s time period. Authors may include these either accidentally due to oversight or intentionally for stylistic effects.
Why do writers use anachronisms intentionally?
Writers sometimes use anachronisms purposefully to draw parallels between different time periods, add humor, or make social commentary. This creative choice can add depth to the narrative and engage readers on multiple levels.
How can I avoid anachronisms in my writing?
To avoid anachronisms, conduct thorough research on the time period you’re writing about. Pay close attention to details like language, technology, and social norms. Consulting historical experts can also be beneficial.
How do anachronisms affect the audience’s perception?
Anachronisms can either enhance or detract from the audience’s experience. While intentional anachronisms might add layers of meaning, unintentional ones can break immersion and reduce credibility.
