Realism

Definition

Realism is an artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, characterized by a focus on depicting everyday life and ordinary people with accuracy and authenticity. It sought to move away from the idealized representations of Romanticism, emphasizing a truthful portrayal of contemporary society, human experiences, and the harsh realities of life. This approach influenced various fields, including philosophy, theater, and literature, leading to a more critical examination of human nature and social conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged as a reaction against the Romantic movement, which often glorified nature and individual emotion over the ordinary aspects of daily life.
2. Key figures in the realism movement include writers like Gustave Flaubert and playwrights like Anton Chekhov, who focused on portraying everyday experiences authentically.
3. In theater, realism emphasized natural dialogue, authentic settings, and character development over melodrama and exaggeration.
4. Philosophically, realism connects to humanism by exploring the human condition without relying on metaphysical explanations or idealized notions.
5. The impact of realism extended beyond literature and theater, influencing visual arts by encouraging artists like Gustave Courbet to depict real-life subjects rather than historical or mythological themes.

Review Questions

• How did realism serve as a response to romanticism in literature and theater?
  • Realism emerged as a direct response to romanticism by rejecting its emphasis on idealization and emotional expression. While romanticism often celebrated extraordinary experiences and heroic figures, realism focused on depicting everyday life and ordinary people with truthfulness. This shift in focus allowed authors and playwrights to explore common social issues and the human experience more authentically, highlighting the struggles and realities faced by individuals in their daily lives.
• Discuss how realism's focus on objective reality impacted philosophical thought during its emergence.
  • The emphasis on objective reality in realism significantly influenced philosophical thought by challenging existing ideals of truth and representation. Philosophers began to examine the nature of human experience through a lens that prioritized observable facts over abstract concepts. This shift encouraged a more empirical approach to understanding human behavior and society, aligning with emerging scientific ideas during the 19th century. The move towards objectivity helped pave the way for modern philosophical discussions about human nature and existence.
• Evaluate the lasting effects of realism on modern literature and theater, considering how it has shaped contemporary narratives.
  • Realism has had profound and lasting effects on modern literature and theater by establishing standards for authenticity and character-driven storytelling. Contemporary narratives often draw on realistic depictions of life that reflect complex social issues, personal struggles, and diverse perspectives. The influence of realism can be seen in various genres today, including literary fiction that prioritizes deep character development over plot-driven stories. Furthermore, modern playwrights continue to utilize realistic techniques in dialogue and setting to create relatable characters that resonate with audiences on personal levels.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary and artistic movement closely related to realism that emphasizes a detailed and accurate portrayal of nature and human behavior, often influenced by scientific theories.

Objective Reality: The concept that reality exists independently of observation and can be represented without bias or emotional influence in art and literature.

Social Commentary: The act of using artistic expression to critique or provide insight into social issues, conditions, and injustices prevalent in society.