What is a historical vignette?

Question

I have to write a historical vignette on a scientist and I don't know what a historical vignette is. We had to read a biography of a scientist of our choice. Can someone please explain what writing a historical vignette entails? It needs to be 3-5 pages.

Answer 1

A vignette in this sense is a scene concentrating on your character in any one moment that gives an idea of their character, discovery or setting.  For instance, Fleming discovering penicillin.  Describe him in his lab, finally achieving the result.  Focus on his thoughts, actions, surroundings.  It's like a snapshot.