Literary Style

Definition

Literary style refers to the distinct manner in which an author expresses their ideas through language, encompassing elements such as word choice, sentence structure, and figurative language. This style is crucial for conveying themes, emotions, and character development in literature, and it evolves through various movements and influences throughout history. In the 19th century, literary styles became more diverse as authors experimented with realism, romanticism, and other forms of expression to reflect the complexities of their society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 19th century saw a shift from romantic ideals to more realistic portrayals of life in literature, reflecting societal changes brought about by industrialization and urbanization.
2. Authors like Charles Dickens and Gustave Flaubert employed realism to critique social injustices and explore the human condition through complex characters and detailed settings.
3. The use of stream-of-consciousness technique by writers such as Virginia Woolf demonstrated a new way to present characters' inner thoughts and emotions.
4. Literary styles in the 19th century also included a focus on symbolism, where writers like Stéphane Mallarmé used indirect expressions to convey deeper meanings.
5. The diversity of literary styles during this period not only influenced literature but also contributed to broader cultural movements, including shifts in art and philosophy.

Review Questions

• How did the transition from romanticism to realism in the 19th century reflect changes in society?
  • The transition from romanticism to realism mirrored societal shifts during the 19th century, particularly due to industrialization and urbanization. Romanticism emphasized emotion and nature, while realism sought to depict everyday life more accurately. This change allowed authors to address social issues such as poverty and class struggles, highlighting the impact of societal changes on individuals' lives and fostering a more critical examination of contemporary society.
• Discuss how the literary style of realism contributed to the portrayal of social issues in 19th-century literature.
  • Realism as a literary style focused on depicting life as it truly was, enabling authors to explore pressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, and moral dilemmas. By using detailed descriptions and complex characters, realist writers like Emile Zola were able to shed light on the struggles faced by everyday people. This approach fostered greater awareness among readers about the socio-economic challenges of their time, pushing literature beyond mere entertainment into the realm of social commentary.
• Evaluate the significance of symbolism in 19th-century literature and its impact on modern literary styles.
  • Symbolism played a crucial role in 19th-century literature by allowing authors to convey deeper meanings through indirect expressions. Writers like Oscar Wilde and Stéphane Mallarmé utilized symbols to evoke emotions and ideas that transcended literal interpretations. This emphasis on subjectivity paved the way for modern literary styles that value personal interpretation and emotional resonance, influencing later movements such as modernism and postmodernism. Symbolism's legacy is evident in contemporary literature where authors continue to explore complex themes through layered meanings.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A cultural movement that emerged in the late 18th century emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often as a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and rationalism.

Realism:

A literary movement that began in the mid-19th century focusing on depicting everyday life and society with accuracy and truthfulness, often highlighting social issues.

Symbolism:

A late 19th-century literary movement that used symbols to express ideas and emotions indirectly, often emphasizing subjective experiences and feelings.