Realism and Our Authors Our first four authors are realists: Howells Chopin James London

Also Naturalism Also watch for elements of Naturalism In Chopin And London We will talk more about naturalism later.

Howells as Realist Consider ways in which “Editha” Is an example of realism...

As you read and review Ask yourself if “Editha” Is a truthful presentation of war Is a truthful presentation of relationships

Back to What Is Truth? In what way is the story more truthful than, say, a romantic novel about a hero who goes to war? How does Editha perceive war? How does George perceive war? How does George's mother perceive war? Are all three perceptions true?

Finally, how does Howells perceive war, and how do you know that is what he thinks? Keep in mind that the characters do not necessarily think what the author thinks. Howells presents Editha as ignorant of reality in order to make her vision look bad. How does he make her look “bad”?

Look for ways in which “democracy” is present. Is George an aristocrat? How is George killed? (Look at the account of his death.) How would George die in a romantic novel? Other Points of Realism

Traditional Form... NOT A traditional story (think 1950s TV show) has Clear ending with “closure” A clear lesson learned by the main character Victory by the good guys Resolution to a problem

Ask yourself how “Editha” does not end like an Andy Griffith episode. Who “wins”? What should Editha learn? Does she learn her lesson? Does George come home a hero?

Part 1 of 3 Post on the discussion forum 2 things in the story That reflect realism Just list them and explain how they show the story is in the style of realism. (Some of you will have similar posts, and that's ok.) Now Your Assignment Pt.1

Assignment Pt. 2 Second: In one or two paragraphs explain what Howells is trying to teach his readers about the reality of war or the reality of relationships between men and women. Use some specific evidence to show that he is doing so and how he is doing so. Do this part as a second post.

Assignment Pt. 3 For your third post, respond to someone's second post (their paragraphs). Feel free to agree or disagree, but give reasons why and support your thoughts from the story. Keep in mind we are considering what Howells thinks of war, not necessarily what we think.

Guidelines for Posts To Do Use good grammar Use complete sentences Use quotes from the story Use elements from the powerpoints Not To Do Disrespect others in the class Make vague assertions Make general statemetns without evidence from the story

If realism seems unclear One more way to get a sense of realism is by contrasting it with romanticism. In the Handouts you will find a copy of the romantic story “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Try contrasting the way it is written with the way “Editha” is written.

Also, the PowerPoint on Realism is based largely on the definition given in Holman, C. Hugh. A Handbook to Literature. 5 th edition. Macmillan. For more info, check there. Also, read the “Letter to the Reader” in your anthology.