Realism

Definition

Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on the representation of everyday life and society with a truthful and objective approach. It seeks to portray ordinary people, their struggles, and the complexities of social dynamics without embellishment or idealization, aiming to depict reality as it truly is. This movement marks a shift from romanticism's focus on imagination and emotion to a more grounded representation of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism arose as a reaction against the idealism of romanticism, seeking to depict life more accurately and authentically.
2. Major writers associated with realism include George Eliot, Henry James, and Mark Twain, each contributing unique perspectives on society and character.
3. The movement often highlights social issues such as class struggle, poverty, and moral ambiguity, aiming to provoke thought and discussion among readers.
4. In the context of the novel form, realism emphasizes detailed descriptions and complex characters that reflect real-life situations and emotions.
5. Realism influenced later movements such as modernism and postmodernism, expanding its impact beyond the 19th century into contemporary literature.

Review Questions

• How did realism serve as a reaction against romanticism in literature?
  • Realism served as a direct response to romanticism by emphasizing the portrayal of everyday life and common people rather than lofty ideals and intense emotions. While romanticism celebrated imagination and the extraordinary, realism sought to present life accurately, focusing on the mundane aspects of existence. This shift allowed writers to explore social issues, character development, and moral complexities within ordinary contexts.
• Discuss how major novelists like George Eliot or Mark Twain incorporated realism into their works.
  • George Eliot's novels often feature psychologically complex characters placed within realistic settings that reflect the social issues of her time. Similarly, Mark Twain's writing is rooted in authentic American settings and vernacular speech, using humor and satire to critique societal norms. Both authors exemplify realism through their focus on character development and social commentary, illustrating everyday struggles and moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people.
• Evaluate the significance of realism in shaping modern literature and its themes.
  • Realism significantly shaped modern literature by introducing a focus on authenticity in storytelling and character portrayal. Its emphasis on social commentary laid the groundwork for later movements like modernism, which further examined the complexities of human experience in rapidly changing societies. Themes of class struggle, morality, and the impact of environment introduced by realist writers continue to resonate in contemporary works, demonstrating realism's enduring legacy in literature.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary subgenre that extends realism by incorporating a more scientific approach to characters and plot, emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

Social Commentary:

The act of using literature to critique societal issues, norms, and injustices, often found within realist works that expose the harsh realities of life.

Characterization: The method by which authors create and develop characters, essential in realism as it focuses on the depth and complexity of ordinary individuals.