Realism
What is Realism?
Literary Realism is a style of writing depicting the everyday life, usually of the lower and middle class. The purpose of this is to show the "faithful representation of commonplace things."
Theme
The main theme in realism is the socioeconomic class conflict. Many writers included characters and made sure to focus between the rich and poor. Realism reflects life like it actually is. The concept of Realism highlights morality and eliminates idealizing.
Focus
Action and plot aren’t as important as character. Characters emphasized on reality, morality, and they usually show us rather than tell us. Characters are the plot; they’re slow moving and believe their destiny is in their control.
Authors
-Henry Adams
-Mark Twain
-Henry James
-Jack London
-Kate Chopin
-Hamlin Garland
-Rebecca Davis
-William Howells
-Joseph Kirkland
-John DeForest
-Mark Twain
-Henry James
-Jack London
-Kate Chopin
-Hamlin Garland
-Rebecca Davis
-William Howells
-Joseph Kirkland
-John DeForest
Technique
The way someone can tell they're reading realism literature is the way the author carefully describes the everyday life concerning someone's life. It uses plenty of imagery to make the story realistic to the readers. Symbolism is limited in order to use more images. The realist rejected Emerson when he said "Every natural fact is a symbol of some spiritual fact."
Belief System
Machine politics were political parties during the realism period and Industrial revolution. They controlled candidates and voters in many cities throughout networks of loyalty and corruption; in this system, party bosses denied their ability to give careers in return getting the chance to vote. America at this time was altering tremendously due to industrial, social, and economic change. At this time Realist didn't involve a god.
Time Period
The late 1800's was a new generation to writing.