Realism

Definition

Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on depicting everyday life and society as it truly is, rather than idealized or romanticized versions. This movement sought to portray the mundane realities of life, emphasizing character over plot and aiming for a truthful representation of the human experience. It connects to various aspects of literature, including social critique and the exploration of naturalist themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged as a reaction against Romanticism, which often glorified emotion and nature over everyday experiences.
2. The movement was characterized by a focus on middle-class life and social issues, providing a more relatable narrative for readers.
3. Authors like Gustave Flaubert and Leo Tolstoy were key figures in realism, using detailed descriptions and character development to illustrate their themes.
4. Realist literature often includes elements of social critique, addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and class struggles in society.
5. In terms of structure, realist works tend to have complex characters whose motivations are deeply explored, contrasting with simpler character portrayals found in earlier literary movements.

Review Questions

• How does realism differ from romanticism in its portrayal of characters and settings?
  • Realism differs from romanticism primarily in its commitment to depicting life as it truly is. While romanticism often emphasizes idealized settings and larger-than-life characters driven by intense emotions, realism focuses on everyday situations and ordinary people. Realist authors strive for accuracy in their portrayals, often depicting characters with flaws and settings that reflect the social issues of their time.
• Discuss how social critique is embedded within realist literature and its significance in reflecting societal issues.
  • Social critique is a fundamental aspect of realist literature, as authors use their narratives to highlight pressing social issues such as poverty, class disparity, and moral dilemmas. By portraying the struggles of everyday life, realist writers invite readers to engage with these societal challenges critically. This emphasis on realism helps foster empathy among readers while also encouraging discussions around potential reforms and societal change.
• Evaluate the impact of realism on 20th-century literature, particularly in relation to war novels and memoirs.
  • The impact of realism on 20th-century literature is profound, particularly visible in war novels and memoirs where authors sought to depict the stark realities of conflict. Realist techniques allowed writers like Erich Maria Remarque in 'All Quiet on the Western Front' to convey the horrors of war with brutal honesty, challenging glorified notions of heroism. This approach not only deepened readers' understanding of the psychological trauma faced by soldiers but also influenced later generations of writers to adopt similar realistic methods in depicting human experiences during crises.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement closely related to realism that emphasizes a more scientific approach to literature, depicting characters as products of their environment and heredity.

Verismo: An Italian literary movement that translates to 'realism', focusing on the lives of the lower classes and everyday struggles, often seen in operatic works.

Social Realism:

A genre that addresses social issues through realistic portrayal, often highlighting the struggles of the working class and advocating for change.