Realism

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism arose as a reaction against Romanticism, which often focused on idealized characters and settings rather than everyday life.
2. The Victorian novel is often seen as a key vehicle for realist literature, using detailed descriptions and complex characters to explore social issues.
3. Realist writers aimed to depict the lives of common people, including the working class, and their struggles in rapidly changing societies.
4. Scientific advancements in the 19th century influenced realism, as writers sought to apply scientific methods to their storytelling techniques, emphasizing observation and detail.
5. Realism significantly impacted the development of both novels and theater, paving the way for later movements like modernism and naturalism.

Review Questions

• How did realism serve as a response to Romanticism, and what themes did it emphasize in literature?
  • Realism emerged as a direct response to Romanticism, which often idealized characters and settings. Realist writers focused on portraying life as it truly was, emphasizing themes of everyday existence, social issues, and moral dilemmas faced by ordinary individuals. By capturing the struggles of common people and representing society's complexities, realism sought to provide a more authentic view of human experience.
• Discuss the role of Victorian women writers in shaping the realist movement and how their works contributed to social commentary.
  • Victorian women writers played a crucial role in shaping the realist movement by addressing themes related to gender, class, and societal expectations. Their works often highlighted the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society, contributing to social commentary on issues like marriage, motherhood, and education. Through their narratives, these authors brought attention to the limitations placed on women and advocated for social reform.
• Evaluate how the principles of realism influenced the representation of the working class in literature during the 19th century.
  • Realism significantly influenced how the working class was represented in 19th-century literature by shifting focus from aristocratic or romanticized characters to portrayals of ordinary people's lives. Writers began to highlight the harsh realities faced by workers in industrialized societies, showcasing their struggles with poverty, exploitation, and social injustice. This shift not only provided a voice for marginalized groups but also prompted discussions around social reform, making literature an important medium for raising awareness about working-class conditions.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement closely related to realism that emphasizes the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, often portraying a more deterministic view of life.

Social Commentary: The act of using literature to critique society and highlight issues such as inequality, injustice, and moral challenges.

Epistolary Novel: A novel written as a series of documents, such as letters or diary entries, which offers a realistic perspective by presenting personal thoughts and experiences.