Realism

Definition

Realism is a literary and artistic movement that aims to represent subjects as they are in everyday life, focusing on the mundane, ordinary, and unembellished aspects of human existence. This approach prioritizes the depiction of reality over idealization or romanticism, emphasizing character development, setting, and authentic experiences. Realism often seeks to highlight social issues and the complexities of human behavior within a specific historical and cultural context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged in the mid-19th century as a reaction against the Romantic movement, which idealized subjects and emotions.
2. Authors like Gustave Flaubert and Leo Tolstoy are key figures in realism, known for their focus on everyday life and detailed character studies.
3. Realism often employs detailed descriptions of setting to create an authentic backdrop that reflects the social realities of the time.
4. This movement also includes themes such as class struggle, morality, and the impact of environment on individual choices.
5. Unlike romanticism, realism does not shy away from depicting unpleasant or harsh aspects of life, instead opting for an honest portrayal of human experience.

Review Questions

• How does realism differ from romanticism in its approach to character and setting development?
  • Realism differs from romanticism by prioritizing an unembellished representation of life rather than idealized portrayals. In realism, characters are depicted with complex personalities shaped by their environments and societal conditions, while settings are detailed and realistic rather than fantastical. This focus on authenticity allows readers to connect with characters on a deeper level, as their struggles and experiences reflect real-life issues.
• Discuss how realism addresses social issues within its narratives and why this is significant.
  • Realism often addresses social issues such as class disparities, moral dilemmas, and the struggles of ordinary people. By incorporating these themes into narratives, realist authors aim to reflect societal truths and provoke thought about the conditions affecting individuals in their environments. This significance lies in its potential to inspire change or raise awareness about injustices, making literature a powerful vehicle for social commentary.
• Evaluate the impact of historical and cultural contexts on the development of realism as a literary movement.
  • The development of realism was heavily influenced by the historical and cultural contexts of the 19th century, particularly in response to industrialization and urbanization. These changes brought about new social dynamics and challenges that realist writers sought to capture in their work. By reflecting the complexities of modern life, including economic hardship and shifting social structures, realism provided a lens through which readers could better understand their world. This movement's emphasis on authenticity helped lay the groundwork for future literary explorations of human experience amid changing societal norms.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary movement closely related to realism that suggests human behavior is determined by environmental and hereditary factors, often portraying characters as products of their surroundings.

Social Commentary: The act of using literature or art to provide insights into societal issues, often aiming to inspire change or provoke thought about social norms.

Characterization:

The process by which an author develops the personality, traits, and motivations of characters in a narrative, often crucial for realism as it aims to reflect true human experiences.