From Romanticism to Realism: An Age of Transition Lit Book Pg. 516

The Civil War ( ): April 1861: Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, opening shots of Civil War Deadliest conflict in American history (more American lives lost than in all other wars– combined) Destroyed American lives, property, and sense of identity

Ideas of the Age: Slaves freed/given rights by the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13 th Amendment American society and literary culture forever changed (realism) Literature of the Civil War: Slave narratives Diaries and letters Public documents/addresses Later addressed in fiction (novels and stories) via realism

Realism Portrays life accurately (not romanticized or idealized) Focuses on a wide range of ordinary subjects Attempts to explain why people behave the way they do

Regionalism and Naturalism Lit Book Pg. 643

Historical Context & Cultural Influences Reconstruction: the plan to readmit and rebuild the southern states The transcontinental railroad linked the nation, but also led to appreciation of America’s diversity Captains of industry lived extravagant lives

Historical Context & Cultural Influences Native Americans lost lands and rights Life was also difficult for freed slaves and immigrants Labor unions formed to attempt to secure workers’ prosperity Social Darwinism and laissez faire attitudes justified unfair society Progressive movement sought to restore opportunities for all

Regionalism Influenced by end of Civil War, expansion of country and industry Regionalists sought to record unique character of a region Life on the frontier, etc. Outgrowth of realism Included Native American literature Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn

Naturalism Reflected time of rapid changes and sharp contrasts (unequal wealth distribution) Saw humans as helpless from forces beyond their control Jack London, Stephen Crane A man said to the universe: “Sir, I exist!" “However,” replied the universe, “The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation.” - Stephen Crane

A New Role for Women Women writers tended to be realists (regionalists/naturalists) Broke barriers as roles shifted Suffrage movement Education became more available Reflected and responded to society’s limitations