6.1 Objective representation of reality
7 min read•august 20, 2024
Objective representation of reality became a cornerstone of 18th and 19th-century literature. Writers sought to depict the world accurately, focusing on observable facts and social truths. This approach was influenced by the 's emphasis on reason and scientific inquiry.
Authors applied scientific methods to their writing, providing detailed descriptions of settings and characters. They used dialogue to reflect social class and explored psychological depth. This objective style aimed to shed light on the human condition and promote social progress.
Enlightenment emphasis on objectivity
- The Enlightenment period of the 18th century prioritized reason, , and scientific inquiry over tradition, superstition, and subjective experience
- This intellectual movement influenced literature by promoting an objective approach to representing reality, focusing on observable facts and social truths rather than imaginative flights of fancy
- Writers sought to accurately depict the world as it was, without embellishment or idealization, in order to shed light on the human condition and promote social progress
Scientific approach to literature
- Authors applied the methods of scientific observation and analysis to their writing, carefully documenting and describing the external world and human behavior
- They conducted research, took extensive notes, and aimed to present a truthful, unbiased account of their subject matter, much like a scientist recording data
- This emphasis on objectivity and factual accuracy distinguished realist literature from the more subjective, emotionally-driven works of the Romantic era
Detailed descriptions of settings
- Realist writers provided rich, precise descriptions of the physical environments in which their stories took place, creating a vivid sense of time and place
- They devoted attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of everyday life, from the bustling streets of cities to the quiet routines of rural villages
- These detailed descriptions served to ground the narrative in a specific, recognizable reality and to illustrate how the characters' lives were shaped by their social and material circumstances (Dickens' London, Balzac's Paris)
Realistic character portrayals
Dialogue reflecting social class
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- Realist authors used dialogue to reveal the distinct speech patterns, idioms, and vocabularies of characters from different social backgrounds
- They captured the nuances of language that marked a character's class, education, and regional origins, from the refined diction of the aristocracy to the rough slang of the working poor
- This attention to linguistic accuracy helped to create a sense of authenticity and to underscore the social hierarchies and divisions that shaped characters' lives (Eliza Doolittle in Shaw's Pygmalion)
Psychological depth and complexity
- Realist writers explored the inner lives of their characters, delving into their thoughts, feelings, and motivations with a new degree of psychological insight
- They portrayed characters as complex, multifaceted individuals, shaped by their past experiences, their social conditions, and their own internal conflicts and desires
- This emphasis on psychological allowed authors to create more nuanced, believable characters and to examine the subtle workings of the human mind (Flaubert's , Tolstoy's Anna Karenina)
Factual narrative style
Omniscient third-person narration
- Many realist writers employed an omniscient third-person narrator, who could provide an objective, panoramic view of the story's events and characters
- This narrative perspective allowed authors to maintain a sense of detachment and authority, presenting the facts of the story without overt bias or sentimentality
- The could move freely through time and space, offering insights into multiple characters' thoughts and experiences and creating a sense of the interconnectedness of human lives ('s Middlemarch)
Chronological plot structure
- Realist novels often followed a straightforward, linear plot structure, presenting events in chronological order without the digressions or flashbacks common in earlier fiction
- This orderly, logical progression of the narrative emphasized the cause-and-effect relationships between events and the ways in which characters' choices and actions shaped their destinies
- The chronological structure also created a sense of the inevitability and that were central themes in much realist literature ('s Jude the Obscure)
Social commentary and criticism
Exposing societal ills and injustices
- Realist writers often used their works to expose and critique the social problems and injustices of their time, from poverty and inequality to corruption and abuse of power
- They shone a light on the harsh realities of life for marginalized and oppressed groups, such as the working class, women, and racial minorities
- By revealing the ugly truths beneath society's surface, realist authors hoped to raise awareness, provoke outrage, and inspire readers to work for social change ('s The Jungle, ' Oliver Twist)
Advocating for reform and progress
- Many realist writers were motivated by a belief in the power of literature to effect social and political reform
- They used their works to advocate for specific causes and policies, such as labor rights, women's suffrage, and the abolition of slavery
- Through their unflinching depictions of social ills and their calls for change, realist authors helped to shape public opinion and to push for progressive legislation ('s Uncle Tom's Cabin, 's Germinal)
Influence of journalism and non-fiction
- The rise of mass-circulation newspapers and magazines in the 19th century had a significant impact on the development of realist literature
- Many realist authors worked as journalists or essayists, honing their skills in observation, investigation, and factual reporting
- The techniques and subject matter of journalism, such as exposés of social problems, profiles of public figures, and detailed accounts of current events, influenced the content and style of realist fiction (Charles Dickens' Sketches by Boz, William Dean Howells' Suburban Sketches)
Rejection of Romantic subjectivity
Emotional restraint in writing
- In contrast to the intense emotions and personal confessions of Romantic literature, realist writers practiced a greater degree of emotional restraint in their works
- They avoided overtly sentimental or melodramatic language, instead presenting the facts of the story in a more neutral, objective tone
- This emotional distance allowed readers to engage with the characters and events on an intellectual level, drawing their own conclusions and judgments rather than being swayed by the author's personal feelings ('s detached style in Sentimental Education)
Focus on external reality vs inner experience
- While Romantic writers emphasized the importance of individual subjectivity and the inner life of the mind, realists shifted their focus to the external world and the concrete details of social reality
- They were more interested in documenting the observable facts of human behavior and interaction than in exploring the depths of the psyche or the flights of the imagination
- This emphasis on the tangible, verifiable aspects of experience reflected the scientific and empirical spirit of the age, as well as a belief in the primacy of the social over the individual (Balzac's exhaustive descriptions of Parisian society in The Human Comedy)
Rise of realism and naturalism
Accurate depiction of everyday life
- Realist writers sought to capture the texture and rhythm of ordinary life, focusing on the daily routines, struggles, and joys of common people
- They depicted a wide range of social classes and professions, from the wealthy and powerful to the poor and marginalized, in order to create a comprehensive picture of society
- This attention to the details of everyday experience, from the mundane to the momentous, helped to create a sense of authenticity and to make the characters and their world feel real and relatable to readers ('s The Nether World, Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie)
Deterministic view of human behavior
- Naturalist writers, who emerged in the late 19th century as an offshoot of realism, took the scientific approach to literature even further, emphasizing the ways in which human behavior was shaped by heredity, environment, and other deterministic forces
- They portrayed characters as products of their biological makeup and social conditions, driven by instinct and circumstance rather than free will or moral choice
- This deterministic view of human nature challenged traditional notions of individual agency and responsibility, and highlighted the power of larger social and natural forces to shape human lives (Émile Zola's Thérèse Raquin, 's Maggie: A Girl of the Streets)
Objective representation in different genres
The realist novel
- The novel was the primary vehicle for realist literature, allowing writers to create expansive, detailed portraits of individuals and society
- Realist novelists used a variety of techniques, such as omniscient narration, , and detailed description, to create a sense of objectivity and authenticity
- Major realist novelists included , George Eliot, , and Gustave Flaubert, whose works continue to be celebrated for their psychological insight, social commentary, and artistic achievement (Middlemarch, Anna Karenina, Madame Bovary)
Social problem plays
- Realist writers also brought their objective, socially-engaged approach to the theater, creating a new genre of "social problem plays" that addressed pressing issues of the day
- Playwrights such as , , and used the stage to expose the hypocrisies and injustices of bourgeois society, and to advocate for social and political reform
- These plays often featured realistic sets and costumes, naturalistic acting styles, and dialogues that captured the idioms and accents of different social classes, creating a powerful sense of authenticity and immediacy (A Doll's House, Pygmalion, The Cherry Orchard)
Investigative journalism and essays
- The realist emphasis on factual accuracy, social criticism, and reform also found expression in the flourishing of investigative journalism and polemical essays in the 19th century
- Writers such as Charles Dickens, William Hazlitt, and Mark Twain used their platform as journalists and essayists to expose social ills, critique government policies, and advocate for progressive causes
- Their works blended rigorous research, vivid storytelling, and persuasive argument to create a powerful form of non-fiction that shaped public opinion and helped to drive social and political change (Dickens' "A Walk in a Workhouse", Twain's "King Leopold's Soliloquy")
Key Terms to Review (30)
Anton Chekhov: Anton Chekhov was a Russian playwright and short story writer, renowned for his profound contributions to literature and the development of modern drama. His works are characterized by a focus on the subtlety of human emotion and the complexities of everyday life, which align closely with the principles of objective representation of reality and the movement toward realism and naturalism in theater.
Charles Dickens: Charles Dickens was a renowned English writer and social critic, best known for his vivid characters and depictions of Victorian society. His works often blend satire, realism, and social commentary, shedding light on the struggles of the lower classes and critiquing the social injustices of his time.
Determinism: Determinism is the philosophical concept that all events, including human actions and decisions, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will. This idea suggests that individual choices are influenced by a variety of factors, such as societal conditions, environmental influences, and psychological states, which shape the reality of characters in literature. It connects closely to themes of objective representation, where reality is portrayed as shaped by these deterministic forces.
émile zola: Émile Zola was a French novelist and playwright, best known for his role as a major figure in the literary movement of naturalism, which sought to depict life with unflinching realism. His works often focus on the struggles of the working class and the impact of environment and heredity on human behavior, making him a pivotal figure in exploring the complex interplay between societal factors and individual choices.
Empiricism: Empiricism is a philosophical theory that emphasizes knowledge derived from sensory experience and evidence gathered through observation and experimentation. This approach values practical experience over intuition or theoretical speculation, connecting closely with the scientific method and rational thought. As a result, empiricism played a crucial role in shaping various intellectual movements and cultural developments, particularly as society began to prioritize reason and observable evidence.
Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. It promoted the idea that humanity could be improved through rational thought, scientific inquiry, and philosophical discourse, influencing various aspects of society including politics, arts, and education.
Free indirect discourse: Free indirect discourse is a narrative technique that blends third-person narration with the subjective perspective of a character, allowing readers to experience a character's thoughts and feelings without direct quotation. This method creates a more intimate connection between the reader and the character, as it reflects their inner experiences while maintaining an objective narrative voice. It serves as an important tool for authors to depict reality from a character's viewpoint, enhancing emotional depth and complexity.
George Bernard Shaw: George Bernard Shaw was an influential Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist, known for his sharp wit and social commentary. His works often challenged societal norms and critiqued institutions, particularly through the lens of the Victorian theater, where he introduced elements of realism and satire, influencing modern drama. Shaw's approach to objective representation of reality in theater pushed boundaries, making audiences reconsider their perspectives on issues like class, gender, and morality.
George Eliot: George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a prominent 19th-century British novelist and social critic known for her insightful portrayals of human nature and society. Her works often emphasized realism and explored complex themes like morality, gender, and the social dynamics of Victorian life, making significant contributions to the development of the novel as a literary form.
George Gissing: George Gissing was an English novelist active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his realistic portrayal of working-class life and the social issues of his time. His works often reflect the struggles of individuals against the constraints of society, emphasizing an objective representation of reality that seeks to reveal the harsh truths of everyday existence.
Gustave Flaubert: Gustave Flaubert was a French novelist best known for his pioneering contributions to literary realism, particularly through his seminal work 'Madame Bovary.' His writing emphasized detailed character development and an unflinching portrayal of the complexities of human life, allowing him to comment on societal norms and individual desires.
Harriet Beecher Stowe: Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author and abolitionist best known for her novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' which played a crucial role in shaping public opinion against slavery in the mid-19th century. Her work is significant as it exemplifies the use of literature as a tool for social change, presenting objective portrayals of reality and shedding light on the harsh realities of slavery, while also reflecting the impact of transatlantic travel and the broader social reform movements of her time.
Henrik Ibsen: Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright and poet, often regarded as the father of modern drama. His work significantly influenced the evolution of theater by introducing a more objective representation of reality and focusing on social issues, which paved the way for both Realist and Naturalist theater movements.
Honoré de Balzac: Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright known for his influential works that laid the groundwork for modern realism in literature. His vast series of novels and stories, collectively known as 'La Comédie Humaine', offers an intricate portrayal of society in 19th century France, capturing the diverse characters and classes of the time, which are crucial to understanding objective representation of reality, realist and naturalist novels, and the broader realist novel tradition.
Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant technological, economic, and social change that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marked by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized ones. This shift brought about major advancements in machinery, manufacturing processes, and urbanization, leading to profound changes in society, culture, and literature.
Leo Tolstoy: Leo Tolstoy was a Russian writer known for his masterpieces in literature, particularly his epic novels that explore themes of morality, family, and society. He is most famous for works like 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina,' which provide a critical examination of Russian society and delve into the complexity of human emotions and experiences, reflecting the realist movement's emphasis on social commentary and objective representation of reality.
Madame Bovary: Madame Bovary is a novel by Gustave Flaubert published in 1856 that tells the story of Emma Bovary, a woman who seeks to escape her mundane provincial life through romantic fantasies and extravagant spending. The novel is a quintessential example of Realism, emphasizing social commentary about the constraints placed on women in society, the emptiness of bourgeois values, and the pursuit of unattainable desires.
Naturalism: Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing a realistic portrayal of life by applying the principles of scientific objectivity and determinism. It focuses on how environment, heredity, and social conditions shape human behavior, often highlighting the darker aspects of life and the struggle for survival.
Omniscient narrator: An omniscient narrator is a narrative voice that has an all-knowing perspective, capable of revealing the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of multiple characters within a story. This type of narrator provides a comprehensive view of the narrative world, often offering insights that no single character could possess. Their ability to traverse the inner lives of characters allows for a deeper understanding of the plot and thematic elements.
Positivism: Positivism is a philosophical theory that asserts that only scientific knowledge derived from empirical evidence, such as experiments and observations, is of real value. This ideology emphasizes objective representation of reality, relying on observable phenomena rather than metaphysical beliefs. It shapes perspectives on social behavior and psychological motivations, promoting the idea that human actions can be understood through scientific methods, and it reflects the growing influence of science and technology during its emergence.
Realism: Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on the representation of everyday life and ordinary people with an emphasis on accuracy and truthfulness. This movement sought to portray life as it truly was, often addressing social issues and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in society.
Social Realism: Social Realism is an artistic and literary movement that aims to depict everyday life and social issues in a realistic manner, highlighting the struggles and experiences of ordinary people. It emerged as a response to the dramatic changes in society during the 19th century, particularly in the context of industrialization, urbanization, and class struggles. This movement sought to provide an objective representation of reality, often focusing on the harsh realities faced by the working class and marginalized groups.
Stephen Crane: Stephen Crane was an American author known for his vivid portrayal of the human experience through realistic and naturalistic elements in his literature, particularly during the late 19th century. His work often reflects an objective representation of reality, capturing the struggles and emotions of individuals facing harsh circumstances. Crane's unique style combined detailed descriptions and psychological insight, making him a prominent figure in the transition between romanticism and realism in literature.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings running through a character's mind. This style reflects the complexity of human experience, often blurring the lines between reality and internal reflection, allowing for a deep exploration of emotion, individualism, and social commentary.
The role of the author: The role of the author refers to the position and influence that an author holds in shaping the narrative, meaning, and interpretation of a text. This concept connects to how authors create characters, establish themes, and express their perspectives, all while engaging with societal norms and historical contexts. Authors are not just creators; they are also commentators on their times, often using their works to reflect or challenge prevailing ideas and beliefs.
Third-person perspective: Third-person perspective is a narrative mode where the storyteller describes the events, thoughts, and feelings of characters from an outside viewpoint, using pronouns like 'he', 'she', or 'they'. This approach allows for a more objective representation of reality, as it provides the reader with insights into multiple characters without being limited to one individual's internal experiences. It creates a sense of distance between the narrator and the characters, enhancing the story's overall scope.
Thomas Hardy: Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet known for his critical examination of social constraints and the human condition, particularly in the context of rural life during the late 19th century. His works often reflect realism, blending intricate character studies with social commentary that highlights the struggles against a changing world influenced by industrialization and scientific advancements.
Upton Sinclair: Upton Sinclair was an American writer and social reformer, best known for his novel 'The Jungle', published in 1906, which exposed the harsh conditions and exploitation within the meatpacking industry. His work is a prime example of the early 20th century movement toward objective representation of reality, aiming to present an unfiltered view of societal issues to evoke change and reform. Sinclair's vivid depiction of the struggles of immigrant workers highlighted both the social injustices of the time and the need for regulatory reform in industries.
Verisimilitude: Verisimilitude refers to the quality of appearing to be true or real, often used in literature to create a sense of realism and authenticity in narrative. It allows readers to believe in the characters and events portrayed, enhancing their emotional investment and engagement with the story. This concept is particularly significant in various literary movements that sought to depict life and society as accurately as possible.
War and peace: War and peace refer to the duality of human experience concerning conflict and harmony. This concept explores the complexities of societal struggles, the impact of conflict on individuals and nations, and the philosophical implications of seeking resolution and understanding. Within this framework, themes of morality, ethics, and the human condition are examined, revealing how war shapes identity and peace fosters growth.