Realism

Definition

Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on depicting everyday life and society with a truthful, unidealized lens. This movement contrasts with romanticism, emphasizing ordinary characters, settings, and events, often reflecting social issues and moral complexities. Realism aims to represent reality as it is, avoiding exaggeration or embellishment, thus creating relatable and believable narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism developed as a reaction against romanticism, which often idealized life and nature.
2. Key authors associated with realism include Mark Twain, Henry James, and William Dean Howells.
3. Realist literature often includes detailed descriptions of settings and characters to enhance believability.
4. The movement was influenced by advancements in science and philosophy, which encouraged a more empirical approach to understanding human experience.
5. Realism laid the groundwork for modernist literature by challenging traditional forms and exploring the complexities of human life.

Review Questions

• How does realism contrast with romanticism in terms of themes and character portrayal?
  • Realism contrasts sharply with romanticism by focusing on ordinary life instead of idealized experiences. While romanticism often emphasizes emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, realism presents a more pragmatic view that highlights everyday struggles and societal issues. In realism, characters are depicted as complex individuals shaped by their environment and social conditions, making their experiences relatable and grounded in reality.
• Discuss the role of social issues in realist literature and how they reflect the time period in which realism emerged.
  • Social issues play a crucial role in realist literature as authors sought to portray the realities of life for everyday people, often highlighting class struggles, poverty, and moral dilemmas. This focus on social issues reflected the rapidly changing society of the 19th century, marked by industrialization and urbanization. Realist writers aimed to shed light on these challenges faced by individuals in society, encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about their world.
• Evaluate the impact of realism on contemporary literature and its relevance in today's storytelling.
  • Realism's impact on contemporary literature is significant as it paved the way for modern narrative techniques that prioritize authenticity and complex character development. Today's storytelling continues to embrace elements of realism by exploring diverse experiences and societal themes, often blending realism with other genres. This relevance can be seen in works that address current social issues such as inequality and identity while maintaining a commitment to truthfulness in character portrayal and plot development.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A branch of realism that suggests that environment, heredity, and social conditions shape human character and behavior.

Verisimilitude: The appearance of being true or real; in literature, it's the practice of creating believable characters and situations.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that focuses on representing the everyday lives of the working class and the challenges they face, often critiquing social injustice.