Ms. Meyer / English 11 / take notes on the light green material American realism Ms. Meyer / English 11 / take notes on the light green material

American Literature - Where We Are Contemporary and Post-Modern Period The Puritan Era Age of Reason Romanticism Realism Transcendentalism Modernism 1600 - 1750 1750-1800 1800-1860 1830-1860 1865-1915 1916-1946 1946 – Present

American Realism is a style in art, music and literature that depicted contemporary social realities and the lives and everyday activities of ordinary people. The movement began in literature in the mid-19th century. “Realists center their attention to a remarkable degree on the immediate, the here and now, the specific action, and the verifiable consequence."

American realism was most commonly practiced between the years of 1865 to around 1910. It was largely in response to the romantics of the period who believed that man could overcome evil, that he was some type of God. The realists differed, believing a man to be simply a man. STOP AND THINK: Why would you rather see man as a man than a type of God?

Historical Context The term "realism" encompasses the period of time from the Civil War to the turn of the century during which authors wrote fiction devoted to accurate representation and an exploration of American lives in various contexts. The Civil War divided the nation. It interrupts Transcendentalism. It ushered in an age of uncertainty, and people were less optimistic about the future.

Historical Context Continued Population of the United States is growing rapidly (1865 -1915) Science, industry, and transportation are expanding The “Frontier” did not exist as before; its legacy changed and impacted Realists in its new form. The idealism of the Romantics and philosophy of Transcendentalists seemed out of date and irrelevant to many readers.

Characteristics A reaction against Romanticism, an interest in scientific method, the study of documentary history, and the influence of rational philosophy all affected the rise of realism. Broadly defined as "the faithful representation of reality," it also denotes a particular kind of subject matter, especially the representation of middle-class life (due to spreading democracy). Character is more important than action and plot and will seem ordinary (representing individualism)

Characteristics Continued Settings are usually those familiar to the author and detailed Events will usually be plausible. Subject matter is drawn from real- life experiences (even local stories). Diction is natural speech, not heightened or poetic Tone may be comic, satiric, or matter-of-fact. Providing an objective point of view is important The purpose of the writing is “to instruct and entertain” The realists reject symbolism

Style The writer sets down observations impartially and objectively. These authors sought to portray life as they saw it, insisting that the ordinary and local were just as suitable for art as the sublime. Captures the commonplace. Nature Emphasis (Yes, its beauty, but also its hardship and how it wears the human spirit down) Stories often deal with government, education, man’s purpose in life, and the American Dream. The conflict often involves a moral dilemma that is accurately portrayed. “Nothing more and nothing less than the truthful treatment of material. “ William Dean Howells

Realism vs. Romanticism “The trapper was placed on a rude seat which had been made with studied care…His body was placed so as to let the light of the setting sun fall full upon the solemn features. His head was bare, the long thin locks of gray fluttering lightly in the evening breeze. ” “He was almost fifty, and he looked it. His hair was long and tangled and greasy, and you could see his eyes shining through…there warn’t no color in his face; it was white…a white to make a body sick…a tree-toad white, a fish belly white. As for his clothes, just rags, that’s all."

Realism Authors Stephen Crane Willa Cather Jack London Kate Chopin The Red Badge of Courage Willa Cather O Pioneers! My Antonia Jack London The Call of the Wild Kate Chopin “The Story of an Hour” John Steinbeck Of Mice and Men Mark Twain The Adventures of Tom Sawyer The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The Criticism of Realism Whose reality is portrayed? Those in power, usually male, white, and privileged Whose reality is marginalized and ignored? Those without power: women, people of color, people of lower economic means To Recap  An Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e TCjHZWmgG0 Watch and add to your notes

Realism – what is our focus for this unit? Let’s discuss! Writing Prompt: Considering that Realism is rooted in reality and reflects commonplace conflicts, consider our society today and decide what is the most important conflict of your generation. Explain in a one- paragraph written response. How does literature respond to ideological conflict and the human condition? How does literature reflect the expansion of America?

Mark Twain’s Excerpt – Choose 1 of the 2 activities to complete beneath your paragraph. 1. Realism incorporates characters with ordinary struggles that ordinary people relate to. Analyze the characters with a Strength and Weakness chart. What makes them relatable? 2. Create a list of realism characteristics present in Mark Twain’s excerpt. You must have at least four characteristics and explain them.