American Realism, Regionalism & Naturalism 1860-1920(ish)

What is Realism? Prominent from 1860-1890. A faithful representation of reality in literature (also known as “verisimilitude”). Emphasis on development of believable characters. Written in natural vernacular, or dialect.

Why did Realism develop? As a reaction to Romanticism – Life was no longer seen through “rose colored glasses” The Civil War The urbanization and industrialization of America The emerging middle class Upheaval and social change in the latter half of the 19th century Increasing rates of democracy and literacy

Characteristics of Realism Reaction against Romanticism and Neoclassicism Factual is more important than intellectual or emotional   Atheistic Life is driven by fate Tells the stories of everyday people Use of details more important than plot In diction, seeks to use natural language

Realist Writers Mark Twain William Dean Howells Henry James Edgar Lee Masters

What is Regionalism? Often called “local color” Focuses on Prominent from 1865-1895 Often called “local color” Focuses on characters, dialect, customs, topography, and other features specific to a certain region (eg. the South) Coincided with Realism and sharing many of the same traits.

Why did Regionalism develop? The Civil War and the building of a national identity Dual influence of Romanticism and Realism An outgrowth of realism with more focus on a particular setting and its influence over characters

Regionalist Writers Kate Chopin—South Mary E. Wilkins-Freeman—New England Mark Twain—West Willa Cather—Midwest

What is Naturalism? Naturalism is the view that nature is all there is and all basic truths are truths of nature Prominent from 1880-1920(ish) Applied scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to the study of human beings. Influenced by Darwinism (natural selection) and psychology (Freud) Posited that men were controlled by heredity and environment. Often depict man in conflict with nature, society, or himself.

Why did Naturalism develop? The swell of immigrants in the latter half of the 19th century, which led to a larger lower class and increased poverty in the cities The prominence of psychology and the theories of Sigmund Freud Pessimism in the wake of the Civil War and Reconstruction Publication of Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species

Distinctions of Naturalism 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 Life is Mechanical People are the subjects of scientific case studies. Tone is often coldly scientific. Details and nature are chaotic because life is a series of chaos. Studies society to correct the evils found there. Drops artificial concepts of plot and action for a "slice of life." Main characters are usually low on the social scale; often morally frail

Naturalist Writers Stephen Crane Ambrose Bierce Jack London Edwin Arlington Robinson Katherine Anne Porter Charlotte Perkins Gilman Edith Wharton

Points to Remember… Realism, Regionalism, and Naturalism are intertwined and connected. Their influence has dominated most literature created since 1920, though the movement itself is dated to roughly that point. They are truly American modes of writing.