Realism

Definition

Realism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, characterized by the depiction of everyday life and ordinary people in a truthful and unidealized manner. It sought to represent reality as it is, often focusing on the struggles of the working class, social issues, and the impact of industrialization. Realism also highlights cities as dynamic characters that shape the narratives and experiences of individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged as a reaction against the idealized depictions found in Romantic art and literature, emphasizing instead the portrayal of real life and everyday situations.
2. Key figures in the realism movement include authors like Gustave Flaubert and Leo Tolstoy, who depicted complex characters facing moral dilemmas within their social contexts.
3. Cities often serve as critical backdrops in realist works, reflecting the complexities of urban life and its impact on individual experiences.
4. Realist literature often includes detailed descriptions of settings, character emotions, and social interactions, aiming to immerse readers in the reality of the narrative.
5. The movement played a crucial role in shaping modern literature by paving the way for later movements such as modernism and contemporary realism.

Review Questions

• How does realism differ from romanticism in its portrayal of characters and settings?
  • Realism differs from romanticism primarily in its approach to character development and settings. While romanticism often focuses on idealized characters and dramatic, emotional scenarios, realism aims to depict everyday life authentically. Realist authors create relatable characters facing realistic challenges in their environments, often reflecting societal issues rather than individual heroics or fantastical elements. This grounded approach allows readers to connect more deeply with the characters' experiences.
• Discuss how urban environments function as characters within realist literature.
  • In realist literature, urban environments are depicted not just as backdrops but as active characters that influence the lives of individuals. The complexities of city life—such as economic struggles, social stratification, and cultural diversity—shape character decisions and emotions. These environments mirror the challenges faced by characters, highlighting themes like alienation, poverty, and aspiration while showcasing how cities can impact personal narratives. This interplay enriches the stories by adding layers of social commentary about urban living.
• Evaluate the impact of realism on contemporary literature and its relevance to modern societal issues.
  • Realism's impact on contemporary literature is profound as it established a foundation for writers to explore complex social issues through authentic narratives. Modern authors often draw from realistic principles by addressing current themes like inequality, immigration, and identity within their works. This focus on realism allows readers to engage with pressing societal concerns, fostering empathy and understanding through relatable characters and situations. The legacy of realism continues to inform how literature reflects and critiques contemporary life, making it highly relevant today.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary and artistic movement closely related to realism that emphasizes a more scientific and deterministic view of human behavior, suggesting that environment, heredity, and social conditions shape individuals.

Romanticism:

An earlier movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often contrasting with realism's focus on everyday life and societal issues.

Social Commentary: The act of using literature or art to provide insight into social issues, often aiming to provoke thought or change regarding societal problems.