Realism

Definition

Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, characterized by a focus on depicting everyday life and ordinary people in a truthful and unembellished manner. This approach contrasts with romanticism, as it emphasizes a more objective perspective, often highlighting social issues and the complexities of human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged as a reaction against romanticism, which often idealized life and focused on emotions and individualism rather than the mundane aspects of daily existence.
2. In East Asian fiction, realism became a significant vehicle for addressing social, political, and economic changes during periods of upheaval such as colonial rule and war.
3. Authors like Hwang Sun-won and Yi Mun-yol employed realistic techniques to portray the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people in postwar Korea.
4. Colonial period literature in East Asia, exemplified by writers such as Yi Kwang-su and Kim Dong-in, utilized realism to critique societal issues and reflect the impact of foreign domination.
5. The influence of Western literature introduced new narrative styles and themes into East Asian realism, pushing authors to adapt and redefine their storytelling methods.

Review Questions

• How did realism challenge the ideals presented in romantic literature, particularly within the context of East Asian fiction?
  • Realism challenged romantic ideals by emphasizing the portrayal of everyday life and societal issues rather than focusing on emotions or idealized characters. In East Asian fiction, this shift allowed authors to explore the harsh realities of colonialism, war, and social inequality, providing a stark contrast to romanticized narratives. This shift in focus encouraged readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and human nature.
• In what ways did Hwang Sun-won’s works reflect the principles of realism in postwar Korean literature?
  • Hwang Sun-won's works exemplify realism through their detailed depiction of ordinary life and the emotional struggles faced by individuals in postwar Korea. His narratives often center on the everyday experiences of common people, revealing the psychological impact of societal changes. By incorporating realistic settings and relatable characters, Sun-won captured the complexities of human emotions amid the backdrop of national trauma.
• Evaluate the influence of Western literature on the development of realism in East Asian fiction during periods of significant social change.
  • The influence of Western literature on East Asian realism was profound during periods of social upheaval, as it introduced new narrative techniques and thematic explorations. As authors absorbed Western literary forms, they adapted these influences to address local issues such as colonial oppression, identity crises, and modernization challenges. This blending not only enriched East Asian literary styles but also allowed writers to critique their societies more effectively, highlighting the tensions between tradition and modernity.

Related terms

naturalism: Naturalism is an offshoot of realism that applies scientific principles to literature, portraying characters as products of their environment and heredity, often in a deterministic framework.

modernism:

Modernism is a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, challenging traditional forms and norms while exploring new themes of alienation and fragmentation.

social realism: Social realism is a subset of realism that specifically addresses social issues and injustices, often focusing on the lives of the working class and marginalized communities.