Realism

Definition

Realism is a literary movement that aims to depict everyday life and society in a truthful, unembellished manner, focusing on ordinary characters and events rather than idealized or exaggerated representations. This movement emerged as a response to romanticism, emphasizing a more pragmatic approach to storytelling and character development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism became prominent in Chinese literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with significant social and political changes in China.
2. Key authors associated with realism in Chinese literature include Lu Xun and Ba Jin, who used their works to address social issues and critique contemporary society.
3. The focus on depicting everyday life allowed writers to explore complex characters and situations, making literature more relatable to the average reader.
4. Realism often served as a vehicle for social critique, shedding light on the struggles of marginalized groups and addressing themes such as poverty and class disparity.
5. The realist movement paved the way for later literary developments, including scar literature, which emerged as a response to the traumas experienced during periods of conflict and upheaval.

Review Questions

• How does realism differ from romanticism in terms of character portrayal and thematic focus?
  • Realism differs from romanticism by focusing on everyday characters and real-life situations rather than idealized heroes or dramatic events. While romanticism often emphasizes emotion and individualism, realism seeks to depict life as it is, showcasing ordinary people facing common challenges. This grounded approach allows for a more nuanced exploration of societal issues and human behavior.
• Discuss how realism influenced key authors and works in early modern Chinese fiction.
  • Realism significantly influenced key authors like Lu Xun and Ba Jin in early modern Chinese fiction by encouraging them to address societal problems through their narratives. These authors employed realistic settings and characters to convey the struggles of ordinary people amidst political upheaval and cultural change. Their works not only reflected the complexities of contemporary life but also served as critiques of existing social norms.
• Evaluate the role of realism in shaping contemporary Chinese literature's portrayal of the rural-urban divide.
  • Realism plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary Chinese literature's portrayal of the rural-urban divide by highlighting the stark contrasts between life in rural areas and urban centers. Through realistic depictions of characters' experiences, authors illustrate the challenges faced by rural migrants seeking opportunities in cities while grappling with feelings of alienation and loss. This examination fosters a deeper understanding of social dynamics within China and raises awareness about the ongoing disparities affecting various communities.

Related terms

Naturalism:

An offshoot of realism, naturalism suggests that environment, heredity, and social conditions shape human behavior, often portraying characters as victims of these forces.

Social Critique: A method used in realism that highlights societal issues and injustices, often aiming to provoke thought and encourage change through the depiction of realistic scenarios.

Modernism: A broad movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, modernism challenged traditional forms of literature and art, often incorporating elements of realism while exploring new narrative techniques.