5.5 Urban realism
7 min read•august 21, 2024
emerged in late 19th century American literature as cities grew rapidly. Writers portrayed the harsh realities of urban life, challenging idealized notions of society and reflecting a growing awareness of social issues.
This movement focused on everyday struggles of ordinary people, using objective narrative styles to depict urban environments. It explored themes like class inequality, , and moral dilemmas, influencing later literary movements and social reform efforts.
Origins of urban realism
- Emerged in American literature during the late 19th century as a response to rapid and industrialization
- Sought to portray the harsh realities of city life, challenging idealized romantic notions of society
- Reflected growing social awareness and desire for reform in American cities
Social conditions in cities
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- Overcrowding in tenements led to poor sanitation and spread of disease
- Exploitation of workers in factories resulted in long hours and dangerous conditions
- and inequality became more visible as wealth concentrated among industrialists
- Crime rates increased, particularly in immigrant neighborhoods
Influence of European realism
- American writers drew inspiration from French and Russian realist authors (Balzac, Flaubert, Tolstoy)
- Adopted techniques of detailed observation and social commentary
- Incorporated scientific and journalistic approaches to depicting reality
- Emphasized objectivity and accuracy in portrayal of characters and settings
Reaction to romanticism
- Rejected idealized portrayals of nature and human emotions found in romantic literature
- Focused on gritty urban landscapes instead of pastoral or exotic settings
- Portrayed characters as products of their environment rather than larger-than-life heroes
- Aimed to expose social problems rather than provide escapism or moral lessons
Key authors and works
William Dean Howells
- Considered the "Dean of American Letters" and a pioneer of American realism
- Wrote "" (1885) exploring themes of social climbing and moral dilemmas
- Edited "The Atlantic Monthly," promoting realist writers and ideas
- Advocated for "truthful treatment of material" in fiction
Stephen Crane
- Known for vivid, impressionistic style and psychological insight
- Wrote "" (1893) depicting life in New York slums
- "" (1895) realistically portrayed the Civil War experience
- Used irony and symbolism to critique social conditions and human nature
Theodore Dreiser
- Pushed boundaries of realism towards with unflinching depictions of society
- "" (1900) explored a young woman's rise in Chicago and New York
- "" (1925) based on real murder case, critiqued American Dream
- Faced censorship for frank portrayals of sexuality and moral ambiguity
Frank Norris
- Blended realism with naturalism and elements of romanticism
- "" (1899) depicted the destructive power of greed in San Francisco
- "" (1901) examined conflict between California wheat farmers and railroad monopoly
- Influenced by Zola's naturalism and social Darwinism in his works
Characteristics of urban realism
Focus on everyday life
- Depicted ordinary people and their daily struggles rather than exceptional individuals
- Explored mundane aspects of urban existence (work, family life, social interactions)
- Aimed to represent the full spectrum of society, including lower and working classes
- Avoided sensationalism in favor of authentic portrayals of human experience
Objective narrative style
- Strived for impartial, almost scientific observation of characters and events
- Limited authorial intrusion or moral judgments in the narrative
- Used third-person narration to maintain distance and objectivity
- Incorporated journalistic techniques to present facts and details
Social critique and reform
- Exposed injustices and inequalities in urban industrial society
- Aimed to raise awareness of issues like poverty, corruption, and exploitation
- Often implied need for social and political reforms without explicit moralizing
- Influenced reformers and muckraking journalists
Depiction of urban environments
- Detailed descriptions of city landscapes, architecture, and infrastructure
- Portrayed cities as complex ecosystems shaping human behavior and relationships
- Highlighted contrasts between wealth and poverty in urban settings
- Explored impact of industrialization on urban life and the natural environment
Themes in urban realism
Class struggle and inequality
- Examined widening gap between rich and poor in industrial cities
- Portrayed challenges of social mobility and limitations of American Dream
- Depicted exploitation of working class by capitalist elites
- Explored intersections of class with race, gender, and ethnicity
Industrialization and urbanization
- Chronicled rapid growth and transformation of American cities
- Depicted impact of new technologies on work and daily life
- Explored and loss of community in urban environments
- Examined environmental and health consequences of industrial development
Moral dilemmas and corruption
- Portrayed characters facing difficult ethical choices in harsh urban realities
- Explored corruption in politics, business, and social institutions
- Questioned traditional moral values in face of changing social norms
- Depicted moral decay and loss of innocence in urban settings
Determinism vs free will
- Explored extent to which characters' fates are shaped by environment and heredity
- Questioned ability of individuals to overcome social and economic circumstances
- Depicted struggle between personal agency and societal forces
- Influenced by emerging theories in psychology and social sciences
Literary techniques
Detailed description and observation
- Used precise, vivid details to create sense of verisimilitude
- Incorporated sensory information to bring scenes to life
- Focused on specific, concrete objects and actions rather than abstractions
- Employed journalistic "slice of life" techniques to capture reality
Dialogue and vernacular language
- Reproduced authentic speech patterns and dialects of different social groups
- Used dialogue to reveal character and social background
- Incorporated slang, idioms, and regional expressions
- Avoided idealized or artificially elevated language
Symbolism in urban settings
- Used elements of cityscape as symbols for larger themes (factories, tenements, streets)
- Employed weather and natural elements to reflect characters' emotional states
- Created symbolic contrasts between different areas of the city
- Used objects and locations to represent social forces or moral concepts
Character development
- Portrayed characters as products of their environment and experiences
- Focused on psychological complexity and inner conflicts
- Depicted gradual changes in characters over time due to circumstances
- Avoided simplistic moral categorizations of characters as purely good or evil
Impact on American literature
Shift from romanticism
- Marked transition from idealized, symbolic narratives to grounded, realistic portrayals
- Expanded range of subjects and characters considered worthy of literary treatment
- Influenced development of distinctly American literary voice and themes
- Challenged prevailing notions of what constituted "high" literature
Influence on naturalism
- Paved way for even more deterministic and pessimistic naturalist movement
- Shared techniques of detailed observation and social critique with naturalism
- Some authors (Dreiser, Norris) bridged gap between realism and naturalism
- Influenced naturalists' focus on biological and environmental forces shaping human behavior
Legacy in modern fiction
- Established tradition of socially engaged, observational fiction in American literature
- Influenced development of hard-boiled detective fiction and noir genres
- Techniques of urban realism adapted by modernist and postmodernist writers
- Continued relevance in contemporary fiction addressing urban issues and social problems
Critical reception and controversy
Contemporary reactions
- Initially met with resistance from critics accustomed to romantic and sentimental literature
- Praised by progressive intellectuals for honest portrayal of social issues
- Debated in literary circles for its artistic merits and social value
- Gained popularity among readers seeking authentic depictions of American life
Censorship and moral objections
- Some works faced censorship or publication difficulties due to frank content
- Criticized by religious and moral authorities for depicting vice and immorality
- Dreiser's "Sister Carrie" initially suppressed by publisher for controversial themes
- Crane's "Maggie" initially self-published due to its frank portrayal of prostitution
Later critical reappraisal
- Recognized as important movement in development of American literature
- Studied for its historical value in documenting late 19th-century urban life
- Critiqued by some modern scholars for limitations in addressing race and gender
- Appreciated for technical innovations in narrative style and characterization
Urban realism vs naturalism
Philosophical differences
- Realism maintained some belief in human agency and potential for change
- Naturalism adopted more deterministic view based on biological and social forces
- Realism sought to objectively observe, while naturalism aimed to explain human behavior
- Realism allowed for moral complexity, naturalism often portrayed amoral universe
Stylistic distinctions
- Realism employed more restrained, observational style
- Naturalism tended towards more dramatic, sometimes sensationalistic narratives
- Realism focused on everyday events, naturalism often explored extreme situations
- Realism maintained some distance, naturalism delved deeper into characters' psyches
Overlapping themes and authors
- Both movements concerned with social issues and critique of industrial society
- Shared interest in scientific approaches to human behavior and society
- Some authors (Dreiser, Norris) incorporated elements of both realism and naturalism
- Both influenced by and reacting to earlier romantic and transcendentalist traditions
Social and historical context
Gilded Age and progressive era
- Urban realism emerged during period of rapid economic growth and inequality
- Reflected tensions between material progress and social problems
- Coincided with rise of progressive reform movements in politics and society
- Documented transformations in American life during transition to modern era
Immigration and urbanization
- Depicted experiences of immigrants adjusting to life in American cities
- Explored cultural clashes and assimilation in diverse urban environments
- Portrayed challenges of overcrowding, poverty, and discrimination faced by immigrants
- Reflected debates over policy and American identity
Labor movements and strikes
- Depicted working conditions in factories, mines, and other industrial settings
- Portrayed struggles of workers to organize and demand better treatment
- Explored impact of labor unrest on communities and families
- Reflected debates over workers' rights, socialism, and role of government in economy
Decline and evolution
Transition to modernism
- Realist techniques incorporated and transformed by modernist writers
- Shift towards more experimental, subjective narrative styles
- Influence of new psychological theories (Freud) on character portrayal
- Growing focus on alienation and fragmentation in urban life
Lasting influence on literature
- Established tradition of socially engaged fiction in American literature
- Techniques of detailed observation and character development widely adopted
- Continued relevance of themes exploring urban life and social issues
- Legacy visible in contemporary realist and neo-realist fiction
Key Terms to Review (27)
Alienation: Alienation refers to the feeling of estrangement or disconnection that individuals experience in society, often resulting from social, political, or cultural circumstances. This sense of isolation can manifest in various forms, including emotional detachment from one’s surroundings, a lack of belonging, or a disconnection from one’s own identity. The concept is particularly significant in modern literature, where authors explore the complexities of individual existence in an increasingly fragmented world.
An American tragedy: An American tragedy refers to a narrative framework in literature that explores the conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by individuals within the context of American society. This term highlights the struggles against societal constraints, economic hardship, and the pursuit of the American Dream, often resulting in a protagonist's downfall. It reveals the darker aspects of life in urban America, where personal aspirations collide with systemic issues such as poverty and inequality.
Antihero: An antihero is a central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic qualities such as morality, courage, or the desire to help others. These characters often embody flaws and complexities that make them relatable and human, challenging traditional notions of heroism. In urban realism, antiheroes typically navigate gritty environments, confronting societal issues and personal demons that reflect the darker aspects of human nature.
Class struggle: Class struggle refers to the ongoing conflict between different social classes, primarily between the working class and the ruling class, as they compete for resources, power, and control over society. This struggle is often depicted in literature as a reflection of societal inequalities and the impact of economic conditions on people's lives, highlighting themes of injustice and resistance.
Frank Norris: Frank Norris was an influential American novelist and a key figure in the naturalism movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works often illustrated the struggles of individuals against larger social forces, particularly focusing on the impacts of capitalism and the environment on human behavior. Norris's writings, especially in novels like 'McTeague' and 'The Octopus,' highlight determinism and urban realism, making significant contributions to literature that reflects the complexities of the Industrial Revolution.
Gilded Age: The Gilded Age refers to a period in American history from the 1870s to about 1900 characterized by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization, contrasted with political corruption and social inequality. This era saw the emergence of a wealthy elite, stark class divisions, and significant immigration, shaping the modern American landscape and influencing urban realism in literature and art.
Immigration: Immigration refers to the act of moving to a foreign country with the intention of settling there. It involves individuals or groups leaving their homeland in search of better opportunities, safety, or a different way of life. This movement has shaped societies and cultures, leading to diverse experiences and influences in literature, art, and everyday life.
Industrialization: Industrialization is the process of transforming economies from agrarian-based systems to those dominated by industry and machine manufacturing. This shift not only revolutionizes production methods but also impacts social structures, urbanization, and cultural dynamics. As societies industrialize, they experience significant changes in labor systems, economic structures, and the development of new literary and artistic movements reflecting these transformations.
Maggie: A Girl of the Streets: Maggie: A Girl of the Streets is a novel by Stephen Crane published in 1893 that highlights the harsh realities of urban life and the struggles faced by individuals in impoverished environments. It serves as a significant example of social realism, depicting the impact of environment and circumstance on human behavior, while also embracing themes of determinism and the influence of Darwinian ideas on literature. Through the story of Maggie, the novel sheds light on the challenges posed by urbanization and the moral implications of survival in a rapidly changing society.
McTeague: McTeague is a novel written by Frank Norris, published in 1899, which is often regarded as a prime example of naturalism in literature. The story follows the life of a dentist named McTeague and examines themes of greed, violence, and the struggle for survival in a changing society. The characters are portrayed as being influenced by their environment and hereditary traits, emphasizing how these factors lead to deterministic outcomes in their lives, particularly against the backdrop of an urban setting.
Modernism: Modernism is a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional forms and an exploration of new techniques and ideas in art, literature, and philosophy. This movement reflects the complexities of a rapidly changing world, often questioning established norms and conventions, which connects deeply with various literary styles and thematic explorations.
Naturalism: Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. It builds on realism but goes further by suggesting that individuals are often shaped by forces beyond their control, reflecting a deterministic view of life.
Objective narrative style: Objective narrative style is a literary approach that presents a story without the subjective interpretation or emotional involvement of the narrator. It emphasizes a detached and factual recounting of events, allowing readers to interpret characters' emotions and motivations based solely on actions and dialogue. This style aligns with the principles of realism, particularly in urban settings, where the focus is on depicting life as it is, without embellishment.
Poverty: Poverty is the state of having insufficient financial resources to meet basic living standards, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. It often encompasses not just a lack of income but also social exclusion, limited access to education, and the inability to participate fully in society. This condition is a crucial theme in various literary movements, especially in the context of urban realism and the broader impacts of urbanization on literature.
Progressive Era: The Progressive Era was a period of social activism and political reform in the United States from the 1890s to the 1920s, aimed at addressing the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. This era emphasized the need for social justice, government accountability, and economic reforms, shaping various cultural expressions and artistic movements during this time.
Protagonist: A protagonist is the main character in a narrative, often facing challenges and driving the story's plot. This character typically undergoes significant development and is central to the thematic elements of the work. The protagonist often embodies the reader's journey, serving as a lens through which the events of the story are experienced.
Sister Carrie: Sister Carrie is a novel written by Theodore Dreiser, published in 1900, which follows the life of Carrie Meeber, a young woman who moves to Chicago in search of a better life. The story illustrates the struggles of urban life and highlights themes of ambition, desire, and the impact of society on individual choices, making it a pivotal work in naturalism and social realism.
Social criticism: Social criticism is a form of critique that examines societal issues, highlighting injustices and advocating for change. It often seeks to challenge established norms and bring awareness to the struggles of marginalized groups, reflecting the values and concerns of specific historical moments. This approach can be found in various literary movements, which use their narratives to critique social structures, the human condition, and the consequences of systemic inequalities.
Stephen Crane: Stephen Crane was an American author and poet best known for his innovative contributions to naturalism and social realism, emerging as a significant figure in the late 19th century. His works often depicted the struggles of individuals against harsh environments and societal conditions, reflecting the deterministic views of naturalism while also showcasing the effects of urbanization and modern life on human experience.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences of characters as they occur in real time. This style often reflects the inner workings of the mind and emphasizes a subjective perspective, allowing readers to experience characters' thoughts in a direct and often fragmented manner.
The Octopus: The octopus is a metaphor representing the complex and multifaceted nature of urban and industrial life in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It symbolizes the overwhelming influence of corporate power and capitalism, as well as the intricate web of social issues arising from rapid urbanization and industrialization. This imagery is often used to convey the struggles of individuals against powerful entities that dominate their lives.
The Red Badge of Courage: The Red Badge of Courage is a novel by Stephen Crane, published in 1895, that tells the story of a young soldier named Henry Fleming as he faces the realities of war during the American Civil War. The narrative explores themes of fear, courage, and self-discovery, emphasizing the psychological struggles that soldiers endure, which connects deeply to broader ideas about human nature and societal expectations in times of conflict.
The Rise of Silas Lapham: The Rise of Silas Lapham is a novel by William Dean Howells, published in 1885, which focuses on the life of a self-made businessman and his moral struggles as he navigates the complexities of wealth, social status, and personal integrity. The narrative captures the essence of realism through its detailed portrayal of everyday life and its exploration of the conflicts between social classes, highlighting themes of ambition, success, and the consequences of materialism.
Theodore Dreiser: Theodore Dreiser was an American novelist and journalist, known for his role in developing naturalism in literature during the early 20th century. His works often explore the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, reflecting themes of social realism and determinism. Dreiser’s depiction of urban life and the struggles of individuals against societal forces make him a key figure in understanding the impact of industrialization and urbanization on American literature.
Urban Realism: Urban realism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by its focus on the everyday lives of city dwellers and the social realities of urban life. This movement aims to depict the complexities of urban environments, highlighting issues like poverty, class struggle, and the impact of industrialization on society. Urban realism often presents a gritty, unfiltered look at the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
Urbanization: Urbanization refers to the increasing population concentration in urban areas, transforming rural societies into urban ones. This process has significant impacts on social structures, economies, and cultural dynamics, particularly in the context of rapid industrial growth and modernization. Urbanization reflects broader themes of societal change, including the rise of cities as centers of culture and industry, which influences various literary movements and genres.
William Dean Howells: William Dean Howells was an influential American novelist, critic, and editor who played a pivotal role in shaping the literary movement of realism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He emphasized everyday life and social issues in his works, showcasing the complexities of human experiences, which laid the groundwork for both psychological and urban realism. His belief that literature should reflect ordinary life made him a significant figure in American literature, pushing writers to explore deeper psychological dimensions and the intricacies of urban settings.