Late-19th-century literary works

Definition

Late-19th-century literary works refer to the diverse range of literature produced during a time of significant social, political, and technological change in Europe. This period witnessed the rise of realism and naturalism, focusing on the everyday lives and struggles of ordinary people, as well as the exploration of psychological depth in characters. These works often addressed themes such as class struggles, the impact of industrialization, and the complexities of human experience, reflecting the turbulent changes occurring in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prominent authors like Leo Tolstoy, Emile Zola, and Thomas Hardy emerged during this period, each contributing to the development of realistic and naturalistic literature.
2. The rise of the novel as a dominant literary form occurred in this time, with longer narratives exploring complex characters and social issues.
3. Literary works from this era often critiqued societal norms and the consequences of rapid industrialization, leading to a more profound awareness of social injustices.
4. This period also saw the emergence of new genres such as science fiction, with writers like H.G. Wells pushing the boundaries of imagination and exploring future possibilities.
5. The late-19th century set the stage for modernist literature by experimenting with narrative techniques and exploring themes of alienation and existentialism.

Review Questions

• How did realism and naturalism differ in their portrayal of society in late-19th-century literary works?
  • Realism focused on depicting everyday life as it was, emphasizing ordinary characters and their experiences without embellishment. In contrast, naturalism took this further by analyzing how environment, heredity, and social conditions shape human behavior. While both movements sought to portray reality authentically, naturalism introduced a more deterministic perspective, suggesting that individuals are heavily influenced by forces beyond their control.
• Discuss the significance of prominent authors in shaping late-19th-century literature and how their works reflected societal changes.
  • Authors like Leo Tolstoy and Emile Zola played a crucial role in shaping late-19th-century literature by using their writing to critique social issues and depict the struggles faced by individuals in changing societies. Their works often addressed themes such as class conflict, poverty, and moral dilemmas, reflecting the broader societal transformations brought about by industrialization. These authors brought attention to the realities of life for many people during this time, influencing public perception and laying the groundwork for future literary movements.
• Evaluate how late-19th-century literary works contributed to the transition into modernist literature in the early 20th century.
  • Late-19th-century literary works set the stage for modernism by challenging traditional narrative forms and exploring complex themes such as alienation and existential despair. The experimentation with style seen in these works paved the way for modernist authors who would further break conventions and delve into stream-of-consciousness techniques. Additionally, by addressing social issues related to industrialization and modernization, these writers highlighted the disconnection between individuals and society, which became central to modernist literature's focus on subjective experience.

Related terms

Realism:

A literary movement that aimed to depict everyday life and society accurately, often focusing on the lives of ordinary people and their struggles.

Naturalism:

An extension of realism that emphasized the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, often portraying a deterministic view of life.

Modernism:

A cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and a focus on new techniques and perspectives in literature and art.