American Realism

Definition

American Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on the depiction of everyday life and ordinary characters with a commitment to authenticity and factual representation. This movement was a response to the romanticism that preceded it, aiming to portray the complexities of social issues, class struggles, and the realistic experiences of individuals in a rapidly changing America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. American Realism began to take shape during the Civil War era and gained prominence in the post-war period as authors sought to reflect the realities of American life.
2. Key themes of American Realism include everyday struggles, moral ambiguity, and the challenges faced by individuals from various social classes.
3. Prominent authors associated with American Realism include Mark Twain, Henry James, and William Dean Howells, each contributing unique perspectives to the movement.
4. The movement often included detailed descriptions of settings and characters to create a sense of authenticity and immerse readers in the lived experiences of individuals.
5. American Realism paved the way for later literary movements, such as Modernism, by challenging traditional narrative forms and exploring complex psychological dimensions.

Review Questions

• How did American Realism respond to the romantic literary tradition that preceded it?
  • American Realism emerged as a counter-movement to romanticism by prioritizing authenticity over idealization. While romantic literature often focused on heroic characters and idealized scenarios, realism aimed to depict everyday life with all its imperfections. This shift highlighted social issues and the genuine experiences of ordinary people, reflecting a more accurate portrayal of American society during a time of significant change.
• Analyze how social commentary is integrated into American Realist literature and provide examples from key authors.
  • Social commentary is a crucial element in American Realist literature as authors seek to address societal issues such as class disparity, race relations, and urbanization. For example, Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' critiques racism and societal norms through the eyes of its young protagonist. Similarly, Henry James often examined the complexities of class dynamics in his works. By incorporating these themes into their narratives, realist writers not only entertained but also educated readers about pressing social concerns.
• Evaluate the impact of American Realism on later literary movements such as Modernism.
  • American Realism significantly influenced Modernism by challenging established narrative forms and exploring deeper psychological aspects of characters. The focus on authenticity in realism laid the groundwork for modernists to experiment with perspective and structure. Furthermore, the realist emphasis on individual experience in a complex world resonated with modernist themes of alienation and dislocation. As a result, the legacy of American Realism is evident in how Modernist writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway approached character development and social critique.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that evolved from realism, emphasizing a more scientific and deterministic view of human behavior, often highlighting the influence of environment and heredity on individuals.

Regionalism:

A literary focus on specific geographic areas and their distinct cultures, traditions, and dialects, often used within realism to provide deeper insights into local life.

Social Commentary: The use of literature to comment on societal issues, injustices, or conditions, often found in realistic works that aim to provoke thought or change.