Realism and Naturalism

What period marks the beginning of American Realism?

American Realism begins around 1865.

What major event influenced the shift from Romanticism to Realism?

The Civil War.

How did the optimism of the Romantic Period change in Realism?

It changed into a much more down-to-earth Realism.

What economic change occurred in America during the Realistic Movement?

The economy transitioned from agrarian to industrial.

What transportation advancement was significant during the Realistic Movement?

The Transcontinental Railroad.

What social unrest was prevalent during the Realistic Movement?

Unrest over labor and wealth concentration in the hands of a few.

What demographic change contributed to the Realistic Movement?

The arrival of large numbers of immigrants to the United States.

What urban issue arose from the movement from farms to cities?

Urban poverty.

What scientific development influenced the rise of Realism?

Rapid rise of scientific discoveries and reliance on scientific data.

How did beliefs change during the Realistic Movement?

Beliefs, including religious ones, were questioned, undermining the optimistic outlook of Romanticism.

What is a key characteristic of Realistic writing compared to Romanticism?

Less emphasis on emotions, with fate and forces of nature dictating events.

Where are realistic stories often set?

In urban environments.

What is 'local color' in the context of Realism?

Depiction of distinctive characteristics of a particular region, such as dialect and culture.

Name three authors known for their use of local color.

Mark Twain, Bret Harte, and Kate Chopin.

What is the general outlook on humanity in Realistic writing?

It is much less optimistic and positive compared to Romanticism.

What is the primary focus of characters in Realistic stories?

Navigating the trials of everyday life.

What is the significance of nature in Realistic literature?

Nature is portrayed as neutral and provides no help, unlike in Romanticism.

How does Realism differ in its portrayal of time compared to Romanticism?

Realistic stories are more likely to be set in current times.

What does Realism reject from Romanticism?

The idealization of nature and the emphasis on emotional experiences.

What was the impact of the Civil War on American literature?

It shifted the focus from Romantic ideals to Realistic portrayals of life.

What does the term 'Realism' refer to in literature?

A movement that aims to depict everyday life and society as it is, without embellishment.

What time period does Naturalism in literature cover?

1900-1915/20, overlapping with World War I.

How does Naturalism differ from Realism?

Naturalism is more pessimistic and presents a more disturbing view of life.

What scientific discoveries influenced Naturalist writers?

Darwin's theory of evolution and concepts of scientific determinism.

What is the Naturalist view on free will?

Naturalists believe in zero free will, asserting that behavior is dictated by genes and environment.

How did Naturalist writers approach their subjects?

They aimed to be detached and objective, observing all aspects of life, including sordid and immoral ones.

What ethical responsibility did Naturalist writers feel?

They felt no ethical responsibility; narrators do not make moral judgments but simply observe and report.

What is a key characteristic of Naturalism?

It is an extreme form of realism that often depicts disturbing outcomes where some characters do not survive.

How does Naturalism view nature's role in human life?

Nature is seen as uncaring and indifferent to mankind, presenting a skeptical view of the universe.

What is the Naturalist perspective on the universe?

Naturalists view the universe as a purposeless complex of blind forces, lacking direction in spirituality or belief.

Who are some notable Naturalist writers?

Jack London, Stephen Crane, Kate Chopin, Frank Norris, and Willa Cather.