Realism

Definition

Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on depicting everyday life and society as it truly is, without embellishment or romanticism. It emphasizes the ordinary experiences of common people, showcasing their struggles and environments in a truthful manner. This movement sought to present an accurate representation of reality, often addressing social issues and highlighting the human condition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged as a reaction against romanticism, which idealized life and nature, focusing instead on portraying the mundane and the commonplace.
2. Writers associated with realism often included detailed descriptions of settings, characters, and social conditions to create an authentic atmosphere.
3. This movement often highlighted the struggles of the working class and addressed social issues like poverty, inequality, and moral dilemmas.
4. Louisa May Alcott's works exemplify realism through her honest depictions of domestic life and the challenges faced by women in society during her time.
5. Plantation novels contributed to the myth of the Old South by romanticizing plantation life while ignoring the brutal realities of slavery, creating a tension between realism and idealization.

Review Questions

• How did realism serve as a reaction against romanticism in literature?
  • Realism emerged as a response to romanticism by challenging its idealized portrayal of life. While romanticism focused on emotions, beauty, and the glorification of nature, realism aimed to depict everyday life in an unembellished way. This shift led writers to concentrate on ordinary characters and their experiences, often addressing social issues that romantic literature overlooked.
• Discuss how Louisa May Alcott's writing exemplifies realism through her portrayal of domestic life.
  • Louisa May Alcott's work, particularly 'Little Women,' captures the essence of realism by focusing on the everyday lives of women in a domestic setting. Alcott presents her characters with relatable struggles such as financial hardship, societal expectations, and personal growth. By portraying these realistic challenges faced by women in her time, she not only reflects the true nature of domestic life but also provides commentary on gender roles and family dynamics.
• Evaluate the impact of plantation novels on the perception of the Old South and how they relate to the principles of realism.
  • Plantation novels played a significant role in shaping the perception of the Old South by romanticizing plantation life while downplaying or ignoring the harsh realities of slavery. Although these works claimed to depict southern life realistically, they often painted an idealized picture that obscured social injustices. This tension highlights how realism can be manipulated to serve certain narratives, raising questions about authenticity in representation and the moral responsibilities of writers when addressing complex social issues.

Related terms

Naturalism: A subgenre of realism that suggests human behavior is determined by environment, heredity, and social conditions, often portraying individuals as products of their surroundings.

Social Critique: A literary approach that critiques societal norms and injustices, often found in realistic works that expose the flaws and inequities of contemporary life.

Psychological Realism: A form of realism that delves deeply into characters' inner thoughts and emotions, providing insight into their motivations and psychological complexities.