If I had it my way, I’d slam my fist down on the table, yell “FICTION!” and call it a day. But alas, the world isn’t that simple. Some people—*side-eyeing my dad*—have it ingrained in their souls that in a real world, among real people, tackling real problems, fiction has no place. That is one way to think of it, but before we rush to conclusions—or dismiss either genre outright—let’s delve deeper.
Non-fiction and fiction, while often pitted against each other, each hold unique merits and serve vastly different purposes. We shall follow the unwritten yet unignorable law of structure and begin with the definitions and distinctions, though I hope none of you are coming from some post-apocalyptic eras, or were born yesterday to actually need them.
What Is Non-Fiction, and What Is Fiction?
Non-fiction, at its core, is the realm of reality. It recounts facts, events, and experiences with an unwavering focus on authenticity (or at least a promise of it). From memoirs to essays, its aim is to inform, educate, or provoke thought grounded in truth.
Fiction, on the other hand, is . . . well, fiction. It ventures into the boundless territory of imagination, creating stories, characters, and scenarios that do not exist.
Here, one could ask how fiction, being made-up as it is, should even be compared to factually accurate forms of literature that provide us with all the knowledge that we actually need. Or one could also consider waiting a little longer to find that out themselves.
Something to keep in mind while comparing the two is that though fiction may be ‘unreal’, it cannot be called untrue. The stories, characters and scenarios created by fiction may not exist, but they often speak to universal truths. While non-fiction adheres to reality, fiction bends, twists, or outright discards it in favour of deeper emotional or philosophical resonance.
Nonfiction: The Anchor to Truth
Nonfiction’s greatest strength lies in its ability to ground us in reality. It equips us with facts, offers insight into the human condition, and sheds light on complex societal issues. As Neil deGrasse Tyson aptly puts it:
“The good thing about science is that it’s true, whether or not you believe in it.”
Nonfiction embodies this principle—it presents facts and truths that remain steadfast, even in the face of scepticism or denial.
Take memoirs, for instance. They bring readers closer to lived experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. Nonfiction also serves as a crucial tool for learning from the past. Maya Angelou’s words resonate profoundly here:
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”
(Translation for those born yesterday: Learn from the past, or risk making the same mistakes. Again.) Non-fiction preserves history, confronts its harsh realities, and encourages society to move forward with awareness and courage.
Nonfiction might not have magic or dragons (a personal heartbreak), but it offers something equally gripping: a mirror to our world. For those who argue that fiction can sometimes “bend the truth,” non-fiction ensures accountability. Facts, when presented with clarity and integrity, have the power to persuade and unite people in ways imagination cannot always achieve.
Fiction: The Truth in Disguise
Fiction’s power lies in its ability to explore truths that are often beyond the reach of mere facts. It doesn’t play by the rules of reality, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s just escapism. As C.S. Lewis put it,
“Since it is likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.”
Fiction arms us with emotional resilience, offering stories of hope, courage, and triumph that prepare us for the actual life.
Take 1984 by George Orwell. A made-up story, yes, but one that has been issuing terrifyingly accurate warnings about power and control for decades. Or take Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, which uses the innocence of its protagonist to confront themes of justice, racism, and morality. Fiction doesn’t just entertain—it challenges, provokes, and transforms our understanding of the world.
Fiction also reminds us of the timeless magic of imagination. This is what gave us the hobbits and the wizards (the postman seems to have lost my Hogwarts letter, but, Gandalf, I’m waiting for you). Again, just like C.S. Lewis said,
“Someday, you’ll be old enough to start reading fairytales again.”
Fiction reminds us that a little wonder and whimsy go a long way, no matter how grown-up we think we are.
Another remarkable benefit of fiction is its capacity for emotional resonance. Its ability to make you feel. Where non-fiction might provide statistics about grief, fiction immerses you in the experience of grief, making you sob as if you just lost your soulmate. Leaving you more tear streaked than it found you. Fiction also fuels creativity and innovation. After all, many scientific breakthroughs began as imaginative ideas in novels—Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, for example, envisioned submarines long before they became reality. Thus, contrary to popular opinion, fiction might just have more to do with reality than we think.
In the epic showdown of nonfiction vs fiction, it’s tempting to pick a side and stick with it—plant your flag in the “fact” camp or let your imagination run wild with dragons and dystopias. But here’s the thing: life isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Non-fiction gives us the tools to understand the world as it is, arming us with facts and lessons to navigate its complexities. Fiction, on the other hand, reminds us why we navigate it in the first place—infusing our lives with meaning, some extraordinary, and a touch of magic. As Roald Dahl said:
“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
So, why not have both? One for the brain, one for the soul. Let non-fiction ground you, and let fiction lift you. If you’re ever in doubt, just remember: without non-fiction, we’d lack the map. Without fiction, we’d forget why we’re going anywhere at all. Now, off you go—pick up a book, any book, and see where it takes you.
By Reyab Fatima
Writer (Team 2024-25)