16. REALISM AND NATURALISM IN AMERICAN LITERATURE

What was the historical context for Realism in American literature?

• Realism emerged after the American Civil War during a period of social upheaval, industrialization, and urbanization. It was a reaction against Romanticism and sought to depict life truthfully, especially focusing on the struggles of the middle and lower classes.

What are the key themes of Realism in American literature?

• class and social status, morality and ethics, and the American Dream.

• It critically examines issues such as social inequality and the gap between aspirations and reality.

What is the main focus of Realist literature?

aims to represent everyday life and experiences as they were, focusing on ordinary people, complex characters, detailed descriptions of settings, and social commentary.

Who were some key authors associated with Realism?

• Mark Twain

• Henry James

• William Dean Howells.

What is the primary difference between Realism and Romanticism?

ealism depicts life as it truly is, without idealizing or romanticizing it, whereas Romanticism emphasized emotion, imagination, and idealized views of life and nature.

What is Naturalism in American literature?

Naturalism is an extension of Realism but with a more scientific and deterministic approach. It emphasizes the impact of heredity, environment, and social conditions on human behavior.

What themes are explored in Naturalism?

• ature vs. nurture

• social inequality

• the brutality of life

• the tension between fate and free will.

Who were some major authors in the Naturalist movement?

• Stephen Crane

• Jack London

• Theodore Dreiser

• Frank Norris.

What distinguishes Realism from Naturalism?

• Realism presents characters who make choices and face moral dilemmas, often emphasizing free will, while Naturalism depicts characters as being controlled by external forces such as environment, society, or biology, with limited or no free will.

What is the significance of Mark Twain in American Realism?

Mark Twain's works, like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', critique social issues such as racism and slavery, and he is known for his use of regional dialects and humor to address moral questions

What is the impact of Naturalism on literature?

• Naturalism highlighted the grim realities of life, focusing on how individuals are shaped by forces beyond their control. It influenced later authors and contributed to the development of modern American literature and drama.

What is the message of Henry James' 'The Portrait of a Lady'?

The novel explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and personal growth, following the life and choices of Isabel Archer, who struggles with societal expectations and personal desires.

What is the main theme of 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane?

The novel explores the psychological effects of war, focusing on courage, fear, and the internal struggles of a soldier during the Civil War.

How does 'Maggie: A Girl of the Streets' by Stephen Crane reflect Naturalism?

• The novel illustrates how Maggie's life is shaped by her environment and heredity, depicting the grim realities of life in the slums and the impact of social and economic conditions on her fate.

What is the purpose of the Marshall Plan in the context of containment?

The Marshall Plan aimed to rebuild European economies after WWII to prevent the spread of communism, providing over $12 billion in aid to Western European countries.

What is Realism in American literature?

Realism is a literary movement in the late 19th century that aimed to depict life accurately without romanticizing it. It focused on everyday experiences, often involving the middle or lower classes, and emphasized character development, moral struggles, and social issues.

What historical events influenced the development of Realism?

Realism emerged as a response to major social, economic, and political changes in the aftermath of the Civil War, industrialization, and the rise of the middle class. It also reflected the societal shift as urbanization and class divisions deepened.

: What is Naturalism in American literature?

• Naturalism is an extension of Realism, but with a more scientific and deterministic approach. It emphasizes that human behavior is shaped by heredity, environment, and social conditions, often portraying characters as victims of forces beyond their control.

How is Naturalism influenced by scientific thought?

influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, sociology, and psychology. It portrays humans as biological organisms influenced by instincts, environment, and social forces rather than moral or rational choices.

How do Realism and Naturalism differ in their portrayal of characters?

Realist characters often make moral decisions and face complex ethical dilemmas. Naturalist characters, by contrast, are more often powerless against their environment or social conditions, with little control over their destiny.

Which literary movement is more optimistic, Realism or Naturalism?

Realism can be more optimistic, as it often portrays characters confronting challenges and making decisions, whereas Naturalism tends to be more pessimistic, with a focus on fate and the inevitability of negative outcomes.