When I was a Junior in High School (2007-2008) my English teacher used an English textbook that had a story about someone who thought they were living in the wrong time period. I cannot remember exactly but I believe s/he thought they belonged in the 1700s, about 200 years before their time (This could be completely incorrect but I remember 200 years for some reason). The class was called 'American Literature'.
I don't know if this is helpful, but the textbook seemed older, possibly from the late 90s but I cannot say for sure.
Update
After thinking about this a bit more, I am leaning towards thinking the character is male. I also believe knights are mentioned as one of the things he 'missed out on'.