Realism

Realism in American Literature (1865 - 1910)

Overview

  • Focus on the shift from Romanticism to Realism.

  • Instructor: Dr. Mehran Soykan, Asst. Prof. of English.

What is Realism?

  • Definition: A literary movement centered on depicting everyday life with fidelity and detail.

Key Characteristics

  • Focus on ordinary characters and realistic settings.

  • Emphasis on social issues, morality, and the human experience.

  • Use of vernacular language and detailed descriptions.

  • Responded to societal changes, specifically industrialization and urbanization.

Realism vs. Romanticism

Romanticism

  • Emphasizes imagination, idealism, and heroism.

  • Romantic heroes are idealized.

  • Focused on ordinary people and plausible events, avoiding exaggerated emotion and instead concentrating on realistic reactions.

Realism

  • Features grounded characters who are often morally ambiguous.

  • Reflects real-life experiences honestly and with complexity.

Historical Context

Timeframe

  • Post-Civil War America (1860s–1910s).

Influencing Factors

  • Civil War Impact: Caused a shift from idealism to a more grounded perspective on life.

  • Industrialization: Led to growth of cities and emphasized working-class struggles.

  • Rise of Journalism: Influenced Realism's focus on fact and observation.

Key Authors and Works

Prominent Authors

  • Mark Twain: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Known for vernacular dialogue and social commentary.

  • Henry James: Daisy Miller - Explored inner lives of characters, contributing to psychological realism.

  • William Dean Howells: The Rise of Silas Lapham - Examined moral dilemmas and class issues.

  • Stephen Crane: The Red Badge of Courage - Gritty depictions of war and psychological aspects of courage.

Additional Mentions

  • Notable contributions from Edith Wharton and Kate Chopin.

Characteristics of Realism in American Literature

  • Complex Characters: Nuanced and often flawed individuals.

  • Moral Ambiguity: Characters confront real-life ethical dilemmas.

  • Attention to Detail: Realistic setting descriptions and dialogue.

  • Regionalism: Authors often explored specific regions and dialects, e.g., Twain and Chopin.

Major Themes in Realism

  • Social Class and Mobility: Focused on how class affects individual lives (e.g., Howells).

  • Morality and Ethical Conflicts: Delved into real-life moral decisions.

  • Individualism vs. Society: Highlights tension between societal expectations and personal desires.

  • Race and Identity: Particularly relevant in Twain's works, examining race relations in post-Civil War America.

Conclusion

  • Realism foregrounded ordinary experiences, grounding literature in the complexities of everyday life.

  • Themes of social class, morality, identity, and human psychology maintain relevance today.