Realism

Definition

Realism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, emphasizing the portrayal of everyday life and society without embellishment or idealization. It focuses on depicting the mundane aspects of life, often highlighting the struggles of ordinary people, and seeks to represent reality as accurately as possible, contrasting with romanticism's emphasis on emotion and imagination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism developed as a reaction against romanticism, which emphasized emotional expression and idealized subjects.
2. In literature, notable realists include authors like Gustave Flaubert and Leo Tolstoy, who focused on character development and intricate details of everyday life.
3. Visual artists associated with realism, such as Gustave Courbet, aimed to portray working-class life and landscapes as they appeared without manipulation or romanticizing.
4. Realism influenced various art forms, including painting, literature, theater, and even photography, pushing for honest representation of society.
5. The movement played a crucial role in shaping modern narrative techniques, emphasizing observation, detail, and authentic voice in storytelling.

Review Questions

• How did realism serve as a reaction to the ideals presented in romanticism?
  • Realism emerged as a direct response to romanticism by rejecting its emphasis on emotion, idealization, and the supernatural. While romanticism focused on grand themes and individual feelings, realism aimed to depict everyday life as it truly is, concentrating on ordinary characters and situations. This shift marked a significant change in artistic expression, where artists sought authenticity in their work by portraying the struggles and experiences of common people rather than glorifying the extraordinary.
• Discuss the significance of Gustave Courbet's contributions to the realist movement in visual arts.
  • Gustave Courbet was pivotal in advancing realism within visual arts by boldly challenging conventional subjects and methods. He insisted on painting from direct observation of the world around him, emphasizing the lives of ordinary people rather than historical or mythical themes. His works often depicted laborers and rural scenes with raw honesty, which not only reflected his commitment to realism but also laid the groundwork for later movements that sought to address social issues through art.
• Evaluate how realism impacted literary narrative techniques in the context of modern literature.
  • Realism significantly transformed literary narrative techniques by promoting detailed character development and complex plots rooted in reality. Writers began using a more observational approach to storytelling, focusing on everyday situations and real-life challenges faced by characters. This shift encouraged authors to explore psychological depth and social context within their narratives, paving the way for modern literature's emphasis on authenticity and a nuanced portrayal of human experience.

Related terms

Naturalism: A subgenre of realism that applies scientific principles to art and literature, portraying life in a more deterministic way, often influenced by environment and heredity.

Verismo: An Italian movement closely related to realism, particularly in opera and literature, that aimed to depict everyday realities and social issues with a focus on authenticity.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that aims to draw attention to social issues and injustices, often portraying the lives of working-class individuals and advocating for social change.