American Realism 1865-1910
Realism “Faithful representation of reality” Largely a technique of writing Often denotes middle-class life
Bye-Bye Romanticism Formed as reaction against romantic literature and art Interested in scientific methods Clear documentation of history Rational philosophy
Driving Forces Rapid growth after the Civil War Democracy Literacy increasing Industrializing and Urbanizing Immigration Middle-class’ raising affluence Yearning to understand the culture of America
Literary Characteristics 1 - Detailed following of reality
Literary Characteristics 2 - Character emphasized over plot
Literary Characteristics 3 - Ethical decisions at root of the story
Literary Characteristics 4 - Complexity of human emotion and temperament shown
Literary Characteristics 5 - Social status or class distinguished
Literary Characteristics 6 - Realistic events in plot
Romanticism vs. Realism Dreams are the touchstones of our character. Henry David Thoreau If you can't read, it's going to be hard to realize dreams. Booker T. Washington
Romanticism vs. Realism What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. Ralph Waldo Emerson It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt. Mark Twain
Romanticism vs. Realism Art
Romanticism vs. Realism Art
Romanticism vs. Realism Art
Romanticism vs. Realism Art