Realism

Definition

Realism is a literary movement that seeks to depict life accurately and truthfully, focusing on everyday activities and experiences without idealization or exaggeration. This approach emphasizes the portrayal of ordinary characters and events, reflecting social issues and the complexities of human nature. By presenting a detailed and unembellished view of reality, realism encourages readers to engage with authentic experiences, often highlighting the struggles and triumphs of common people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged as a reaction against the romanticism that dominated literature prior to the mid-19th century, shifting focus from idealized heroes and supernatural events to everyday life.
2. Authors associated with realism often wrote about the struggles of the bourgeoisie and working class, depicting social issues like poverty, gender roles, and moral dilemmas.
3. The rise of the novel as a literary genre during this period allowed for deeper exploration of characters' internal thoughts and motivations, making realism an important narrative style.
4. Samuel Richardson's epistolary novels are prime examples of realism, as they offer intimate insights into characters' emotions and thoughts through letters, presenting a true-to-life representation of their struggles.
5. In bourgeois tragedy, like George Lillo's 'The London Merchant', realism highlights the moral complexities faced by ordinary people, bridging the gap between tragedy and everyday experiences.

Review Questions

• How does realism differ from romanticism in terms of character portrayal and thematic focus?
  • Realism stands apart from romanticism by emphasizing authentic character portrayals based on everyday life rather than idealized or heroic figures. While romanticism often focuses on grand themes like love or nature through exaggerated emotions and supernatural elements, realism aims to explore the complexities of human experience in relatable contexts. Realist authors delve into the lives of ordinary characters, showcasing their struggles with social issues and personal dilemmas without idealization.
• Discuss how Samuel Richardson's use of epistolary format in 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa' enhances the realistic depiction of characters' inner lives.
  • Samuel Richardson's use of the epistolary format in 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa' allows readers direct access to characters' thoughts and feelings through their letters. This structure provides an intimate glimpse into their emotional struggles, moral choices, and societal pressures, effectively enhancing the realistic portrayal of their lives. By presenting characters' perspectives in their own words, Richardson captures the nuances of human experience, making their challenges relatable while engaging with themes like virtue, class, and gender dynamics.
• Evaluate how George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' reflects realist principles in its portrayal of ordinary individuals facing moral challenges.
  • George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' exemplifies realist principles by focusing on the lives of everyday characters who navigate moral dilemmas within their societal context. The play highlights the struggles faced by common people as they confront temptations and societal pressures, illustrating how these challenges can lead to both downfall and redemption. Through its emphasis on realistic situations and character development, 'The London Merchant' invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of human behavior while providing social commentary on the moral state of society during that time.

Related terms

Naturalism: A sub-genre of realism that extends the focus on everyday life to include a deterministic view of human behavior, emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on individuals.

Social Commentary: The use of literature to provide insights into social issues, conditions, or injustices, often aiming to provoke thought and inspire change.

Character Development: The process of creating complex, relatable characters whose personalities and experiences drive the narrative, often reflecting realistic motivations and conflicts.