Realism Contemporary Realism Historical Fiction

There are three rules for writing a good novel. Unfortunately, nobody knows what they are. - W. Somerset Maugham Every memorable work of fiction presents a conflict or problem that affects human beings, and how this obstacle is overcome is the story. In realistic fiction, writers draw on their own backgrounds and observations of life around them.

Contemporary Realism Most popular genre About “my life” “my world” Readers can know characters quickly and it’s often easy to identify with them. The ground rules are already established. No need to create a new world with new rules.

“My Life” “My World” Contemporary realism reflects and confirms my understanding of the world. (familiar) –Readers can see themselves in characters –But many kinds of people are seldom represented. For example: There are very few books with deaf characters. Most contemporary realism for children still shows the lives of white, middle class characters in the countries where they published. expands my understanding of my world (difference) –Readers gain some understanding of people who are not like them or in conditions which are different.

Characters Protagonists are usually slightly older than the implied reader. Exceptions –No child characters –Stories about animals

Realism and Society The view of life in a realistic story reflects the societal values and attitudes of the time in which the story is set. Until the 1960s the world in children's books typically was presented without negative or earthly aspects. Some general restrictions –No budding love affairs –No liquor –No supernatural phenomena –No undermining of authority –No parents with serious human weaknesses –No realistic working-class speech (not even the mildest cursing) The Vietnam War helped to change this

Harriet the Spy 1964 by Louise Fitzhugh A Non-traditional girl Dressed in a sweatshirt Spied on neighbors Neglected by her wealthy parents Underwent psychotherapy Visited her nanny’s impoverished, mentally challenged mother Said “hell” to her mother.

The Chocolate War 1974 by Robert Cormier Bleak world view “overly” realistic Presents a corrupt authority Bullies get away with it. The good guy doesn’t win.

Bibliotherapy Any kind of emotional healing that comes from reading books 1.The broad, therapeutic feelings of recreations and gratification experienced by individual readers 2.The sense of connectedness readers in a group feel when they share the same reading experiences 3.The particular information and insight books can provide in dealing with personal problem This has led to much didactic literature especially for young adults. “The problem novel”

Categories There are many ways to categorize this genre (Judith Hillman) Survival stories Family and school stories (includes problem novels) Animal realism Sports stories Mystery and adventure Humor Series books

Categories Another classification system (Charlotte Huck) Becoming one’s own person a. living in a family, b. living with others, c. growing towards maturity Coping with problems of the human condition a. Physical disabilities, b. developmental and learning disabilities, c. mental illness, d. aging and death Living in a diverse world a. African American experiences, b. books from other cultures, c. understanding various world cultures. Popular a. animal stories, b. sports stories, c. school stories, d. mysteries.