William Dean Howells

Definition

William Dean Howells was an American novelist, literary critic, and playwright, often referred to as the 'Father of American Realism.' He played a pivotal role in the development of realist and naturalist fiction during the late 19th century by promoting the idea that literature should reflect everyday life and the experiences of ordinary people. His advocacy for realism paved the way for future writers to explore more truthful portrayals of society and human behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Howells served as the editor of The Atlantic Monthly from 1871 to 1881, where he published many influential authors and works.
2. His novel 'The Rise of Silas Lapham' (1885) is considered one of the quintessential examples of American realism, exploring themes of class and morality.
3. Howells emphasized the importance of character development and psychological depth, often portraying complex moral dilemmas faced by ordinary individuals.
4. He was an early advocate for the inclusion of women's voices in literature, publishing works by female authors and addressing gender issues in his critiques.
5. Howells' influence extended beyond his own writing; he helped shape literary criticism by emphasizing the need for realistic representation in literature, which influenced future generations of writers.

Review Questions

• How did William Dean Howells contribute to the development of realism in American literature?
  • William Dean Howells significantly contributed to the development of realism by advocating for literature that accurately reflected everyday life and the experiences of ordinary people. He believed that writers should focus on realistic portrayals rather than romanticized or idealized versions of life. His editorial work at The Atlantic Monthly provided a platform for promoting realistic literature, influencing both writers and readers to appreciate the complexities of modern life.
• Compare and contrast Howells' views on realism with the principles of naturalism in literature.
  • While both realism and naturalism aim to depict everyday life authentically, Howells' approach to realism emphasized moral choices and individual character development within social contexts. In contrast, naturalism focuses more on the deterministic aspects of human existence, highlighting how environment and heredity shape behavior. Howells appreciated psychological depth and character complexity, whereas naturalists like Émile Zola presented characters as products of their circumstances with less emphasis on free will.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of William Dean Howells on contemporary American literature and its portrayal of social issues.
  • William Dean Howells' legacy continues to resonate in contemporary American literature through his advocacy for realistic representation of social issues. His emphasis on the complexities of everyday life has paved the way for modern authors to explore diverse perspectives on race, gender, class, and identity. By challenging writers to engage with real-world issues through their narratives, Howells has influenced a wide range of literary movements, encouraging ongoing dialogues about societal challenges and personal experiences in literature.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that aims to represent everyday life and society as it is, focusing on ordinary characters and events without embellishment.

Naturalism:

A literary movement closely related to realism, emphasizing a more scientific approach to storytelling by highlighting the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior.

The Atlantic Monthly: A prominent American magazine in which Howells published many of his works and contributed essays that shaped discussions about literature and culture during his time.