American Realism

Definition

American Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on the portrayal of everyday life and ordinary characters, often emphasizing social issues and the struggles of common people. This movement sought to represent reality in a truthful manner, breaking away from romanticism and idealism, and delving into the complexities of American society during a time of significant change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. American Realism developed as a response to the dramatic changes in American society during the late 19th century, including urbanization and industrialization.
2. Key authors associated with American Realism include Mark Twain, Henry James, and William Dean Howells, who focused on depicting realistic characters and settings.
3. The movement often highlights themes such as class struggle, social inequality, and the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world.
4. American Realism is marked by its emphasis on character development over plot, with a focus on the psychological depth of ordinary people.
5. The movement laid the groundwork for later literary developments such as Modernism, influencing how writers approached narrative structure and character representation.

Review Questions

• How does American Realism differ from Romanticism in its approach to storytelling?
  • American Realism differs from Romanticism primarily in its focus on authenticity and truthfulness in depicting everyday life. While Romanticism often emphasizes idealized characters and heroic adventures, realism presents ordinary people facing real-world challenges. This shift allows for deeper exploration of social issues, reflecting the complexities of life in a rapidly changing America, which is particularly evident in the works of authors like Mark Twain.
• Discuss the impact of the Gilded Age on the themes explored in American Realist literature.
  • The Gilded Age significantly influenced American Realist literature by providing a backdrop of social disparity, economic growth, and cultural change. Writers responded to the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, highlighting issues like class struggle and social injustice. The period's rapid industrialization also prompted authors to scrutinize the effects of urbanization on individuals and communities, leading to a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the realities of their time.
• Evaluate the significance of character development in American Realism and its influence on subsequent literary movements.
  • Character development is a hallmark of American Realism, where authors prioritize the psychological depth and complexity of ordinary individuals over intricate plots. This focus allows readers to engage deeply with characters' struggles and experiences, fostering empathy for their realities. This emphasis on nuanced character portrayal has greatly influenced later movements such as Modernism, where writers continue to explore internal conflicts and existential questions within their narratives.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary subgenre that emerged from realism, emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, often portraying life as determined by external forces.

Regionalism:

A literary approach that focuses on specific geographic areas, capturing the distinct culture, dialect, and experiences of those regions within the broader context of American society.

The Gilded Age: A period in American history characterized by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and social upheaval, which influenced the themes and subjects of realist literature.