Throughout the history of literature, history itself has influenced countless texts. Many social norms have changed and thus given rise to the dawn of new stories. Stories of past battles or conflicts have seeped into the writings of authors around the world. Being separate continents, Nadine Gordimer's “Comrades” and Honoré de Balzac's “The Coscript” are an iridescent example of stories that mark stories. The two authors exemplify the dangers and struggles using their own voices as they move the plot forward. The historical background of a text can influence the types of characters, the central conflict, and the overall setting as shown in the stories of Gordimer and Balzac. The story and its circumstances can shape how characters act and think in everyday life. In “Comrades,” it is stated, “Young people like her were part of the mob…the committee of white and black activists…-Comrade, you are going to town” (Gordimer 684). The children are a group of activists fighting against apartheid. At that time blacks were segregated and did not have the privilege of owning anything of value. Because of this historic return, children like these had no money or even cars to transport them. Similarly, in “The Conscript,” the author states that “But in 1793 Madame De Dey's behavior could have disastrous consequences… Aristocrats… involved in a matter of life and death” (Balzac 622). During Madame Dey's time, the French Revolution was in full swing and many aristocrats were killed if they were found. This internal war caused Madame Dey to behave extremely politely in her new home and try vigorously not to attract suspicion. He behaves like a funny and ordinary person, without revealing his inner feelings.Co...... middle of paper...... The characters, conflict, setting etc. that contribute to the flow and action of the story depend greatly on the type of background and story that supports them. For an event to take place, a suitable cause must be established and, therefore, shows us that every element of a story would have been different if the story had happened for a different reason. Both Gordimer and Balzac use the misadventures of everyday life to evoke significant stories that are influenced by these social or historical changes. Works Cited Balzac, Honor. "The conscript." Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, 2002. 622-31. Print.Gordimer, Nadine. "Companions." Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, 2002. 684-87. Press.