Literary realism

Definition

Literary realism is a literary movement that seeks to represent everyday life and society as it truly is, often focusing on the ordinary experiences of common people. This approach emphasizes detailed descriptions, character development, and plausible scenarios, allowing readers to connect with the narratives on a deeper level. It emerged as a reaction against romanticism, valuing authenticity and the portrayal of realistic situations over exaggerated or idealized representations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Literary realism gained popularity in the late 19th century and is characterized by its focus on the lives of ordinary people, often dealing with social issues.
2. Joseon poets like Yun Seondo and Hwang Jini incorporated elements of realism in their works by depicting their emotions and societal observations in a relatable manner.
3. Realism in poetry often uses everyday language and situations to create an emotional resonance with readers, breaking from traditional poetic forms.
4. Hwang Jini's poetry reflects personal struggles and the realities of her life as a courtesan in Joseon Korea, showcasing her talent and emotions authentically.
5. Yun Seondo's works often blend nature with human experiences, capturing the subtleties of life during his time through vivid imagery and relatable themes.

Review Questions

• How did literary realism influence the works of Joseon poets like Yun Seondo and Hwang Jini?
  • Literary realism influenced the works of Joseon poets by encouraging them to portray everyday life and genuine emotions in their poetry. Both Yun Seondo and Hwang Jini incorporated realistic elements into their writings, capturing the nuances of human experiences and societal conditions. Their poetry often reflected their personal struggles, relationships, and observations of the world around them, making their work relatable to readers.
• Analyze how Hwang Jini's use of realistic themes affects the reader's perception of her character and circumstances.
  • Hwang Jini's use of realistic themes allows readers to connect with her character on an emotional level, as she candidly shares her experiences as a courtesan in Joseon Korea. By depicting her struggles, desires, and societal limitations in a genuine manner, Hwang Jini transforms her character from an object of admiration to a complex individual facing harsh realities. This approach invites readers to empathize with her situation rather than simply romanticizing her life.
• Evaluate the impact of literary realism on the portrayal of societal issues within the works of prominent Joseon poets and how this reflects broader cultural shifts.
  • Literary realism significantly impacted the portrayal of societal issues within the works of prominent Joseon poets by emphasizing authenticity and relatability. As these poets addressed themes such as class disparity, love, and personal identity, they not only reflected their individual experiences but also highlighted broader cultural shifts toward acknowledging the complexities of life. This movement away from idealized representations allowed for more critical engagement with social norms and challenges faced by individuals during the Joseon era.

Related terms

Naturalism: A sub-genre of literary realism that portrays life with a focus on the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior.

Slice of Life: A narrative technique that depicts a seemingly mundane or everyday event, aiming to provide a realistic portrayal of life without a dramatic plot.

Characterization: The method by which an author develops characters in a story, creating realistic individuals with depth, motivations, and complexities.