Satire In Flashman

Brett Rogers

3/26/2016

Professor Kaminsky

History 212

Flashman

In the novel Flashman by George MacDonald Fraser you can find a mix of reality and fiction. The fictional Harry Flahsman finds himself in a myriad of historical events that offer a more realistic experience to the reader than other historical novels may provide. Although Fraser uses satire frequently throughout the entirety of the novel, he uses Flashman as a way to view the accurate representation of racism, gender relations, and the British military of this time. What makes this novel different is how Fraser uses a combination of fiction and historical facts to tell a story. Throughout the story Flashman does not show hate to just one particular group, but to anyone he pleases.

When comparing them to the Scottish, he claims that Indians are a more “docile, humble set of slaves.” Fraser writes about graphic scenes in which the remorseless Flashman beats the servants. Some of the worst racial discrimination comes during Flashman’s time in Afghanistan. To him the Afghans are “lean, ugly, Jewish-looking creatures,” and often uses the derogatory term nigger when referring to them. But sometimes showing more respect out of fear for himself, you can see his lack of

There is way too much humor in this novel so it must be classified as a satire rather than a factual historical book. It almost seems as though Fraser is making fun of the British government and military at times. Why else would he be making remarks that exemplify the objective and offensive nature that they have?

Fraser did an excellent job in making us as the reader supportive of a racist and cowardly rapist. Being in the position the reader is on, listening to Flashman tell these stories, you begin to believe that is the way things were and everything told is of historical fact. But really, I believe that is Frasers way of showing how easy it is to convince people of untrue historical fact. Fraser wanted to get a point across. He talks about the racism and gender discrimination exhibited in the past that some places still see in modern society. He wanted to make a point of how history is not always what you want to hear. Mainly towards the British; showing how although they may have been a major power during this time, many of their hero’s were themselves prejudiced towards foreigners and