Realism 1860-1890

Philosophical Connection Pragmatism Pragmatism is based on the premise that the human capability to theorize is necessary for intelligent practice. Theory and practice are not separate spheres; rather, theories and distinctions are tools or maps for finding our way in the world. As John Dewey put it, there is no question of theory versus practice, but rather of intelligent practice versus uninformed practice. Therefore, Truth is verifiable to the extent that thoughts and statements correspond with actual things, as well as the extent to which they "hang together," or cohere, as pieces of a puzzle might fit together; these are in turn verified by the observed results of the application of an idea to actual practice. (Wikipedia put it this way…thanks Wikipedia, that makes sense!).

Realism “Realism is nothing more and nothing less than the truthful treatment of material.” William Dean Howells

Realism Verisimilitude The sense that what one reads is "real," or at least realistic and believable.

Realism A literary term applied to literature that aims at the actualities of life, free from subjective prejudice, idealism, or Romantic inclination

Realism Basic Principles: Finds meaning in the commonplace Presents a “slice of life” view Depicts life accurately and faithfully Faces the hardships/the harsh realities of life Makes characters more important than plot Emphasizes morality, often self-realized Examines idealism while it attacks Romanticism

Realism Characteristics of Realistic Writing: Purpose is to entertain Pragmatic, relativistic, democratic, experimental Subject matter is drawn from experience, from the actual rather than the fanciful Puts emphasis on scenic presentations, de-emphasizing authorial comment and evaluation Objects to omniscient point of view Controls symbolism—images are what matters

Realism Regionalism Naturalism Local Color

Variations of Realism Regionalism Realistic literature that focuses on a geographical area or an era of time Concerned with the distinct culture of that area or time period Focuses on customs, dialects, costumes, landscapes, beliefs, history Often, more serious than local color, presenting a deeper sociological and/or anthropological treatment

Local Color Variations of Realism “In local-color literature, one finds the dual influence of romanticism and realism[ . . .] the author looks away from ordinary life to distant lands, strange customs, or exotic scene, but retains through minute detail a sense of fidelity and accuracy of description” Oxford Companion to American Literature

Variations of Realism Local Color Especially popular after the Civil War Concerned with setting and character Settings are often remote and inaccessible Settings are often integral to the story, almost a character Characters often represent a group rather than individuals Characters are marked by dialect, by “old ways,” and by personality traits central to a region

Variations of Realism Local Color Narrator is important to story Typically educated observer who “learns” something Sometimes distant from other characters/sometimes sympathetic Serves as a “mediator” between the rural fold of the tale and the urban audience addressed Focuses on customs, dialects, costumes, landscapes, and other peculiarities, resulting in varied themes Celebration of community and acceptance Nostalgia for an “always golden” past Tension or conflict between urban ways and old-fashioned rural values, symbolized by the intrusion of an outsider who seeks something from the community

Regionalism/Local Color Regionalism incorporates the broader concept of sectional differences Local Color demonstrates the exploitation of and condescension toward subjects

Variations of Realism Naturalism Realistic literature that aims at a detached, scientific objectivity in the treatment of natural man Explores the influence/control of forces in a person’s life: nature, instinct, heredity, environment, physical drive, economic circumstances, chance Subject matter deals with raw and unpleasant experiences which reduce characters to degrading behavior to survive Draws character from middle or lower classes: poor, unsophisticated, Uneducated… Plots put seemingly unheroic characters in desperate situations to show their struggle, affirming their individuality and making them heroic in their maintaining their dignity Plots suggest that life on the lowest level is not simple

Realism Fiction is generally considered best suited form for Realism, but Realism is not limited to one genre. Realism greatly affected the rise of the short story in American literature.

The Short Story

Setting-where the story happens Geographical location Time period Socio-economic characteristics Specific building, room, and so forth

Characters-the people, or stuff acting as people Round-convincing, true to life, different and sometimes contradictory personality traits Flat-stereotyped, shallow, often symbolic. Has one or two personality traits

Character-continued Dynamic- undergo change or development, often because something happens directly to them Static-do not change during the story

Character-continued Protagonist- Main character, often the hero Antagonist-force (person or sometimes symbolically) that opposes the protagonist

Methods of Characterization Direct- author develops the personality by direct statements Indirect-reveals character through: Characters thoughts, words or actions The comments of other characters The characters physical appearance

Plot-The “stuff” that happens Opening Action Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution Plot Development:

Conflict Human v Human Human v Environment (nature/fate) Human v Society Human v Self Human v Technology

Point of View Omniscient-author is telling the story, normally can “read thoughts” Limited omniscient-3rd person, told from character in the story First person-the “I” is a main character in the story

Theme General meaning, thoughts about life the story is trying to convey AKA-the moral of the story.

Structure Chronological Flashback Circular or Anticipatory Panel

Other fun stuff to watch for: Metaphors Similes *Symbolism* Allusions Imagery Foreshadowing Irony Mood Tone