Realism- literary time period Realism Naturalism ( )(1890s-1940s)

Realism -literary movement ( )

Origins  Developed in France in the mid 19 th c.  Spread to England, Russia, and U.S.  Counter-movement to Romanticism  Realist writers: Kate Chopin, Mark Twain, and Willa Cather

Characteristics of Realism  Realists sought to render common people and ordinary life accurately in literature and in art.  Focus on complex characters who are ordinary people, not heroes or villains.  Attempted to present life objectively and honestly without being sentimental or idealistic.  Use of detached narration  Focuses on the sharp contrasts in society.  “Captains of industry” vs. immigrants and laborers.

Characteristics of Realism  Depicts true-to-life dialogue that captures the dialects nuances of speech.  Portrays ordinary settings and settings that reflect society and culture. Most settings are described in great detail.  Literary realism seeks to explore the key social issues of the time. Made careful observations of life.  People-working class  Social issues-social class and negatives of the Industrial Revolution.  Urbanization, massive immigration, The Dust Bowl, The Great Depression

Naturalism (1890’s-1940’s)

Origins  Originated in France in the late 1800s  Branched off of Realism  Strongly influenced by Charles Darwin’s ideas  Naturalist writers: Dreiser, Frank Norris, Jack London, and Stephen Crane.

Characteristics of Naturalism  Like Realists, Naturalists sought to render common people and ordinary life accurately in literature and in art.  Naturalists focused on the harsh realties of the world.  Pessimistic tone  Naturalists overemphasized how instinct and environment affect human behavior.  Naturalists favored characters in the lower class, or characters with “taboo” careers or characteristics.

Characteristics of Naturalism  Determinism  Belief that the fate of man is determined by forces beyond an individual’s control  Some questions a naturalist writer might ask:  What motivates people to do the things they do?  Is life a losing battle?  Are we helpless against forces beyond our understanding and control? (Fate or nature)

Structure within Realist and Naturalist Literature  Lacks poetic features  Simplified language  Repetition of key phrases, settings, and/or ideas.  Simple plot  Conflict. Primarily Man vs. Nature or Man vs. Society. These often lead to  Man vs. Self

A man said to the universe: “Sir, I exist!” “However,” replied the universe, “That fact has not created in me a sense of obligation.” - Stephen Crane

3 Differences Between Realism and Naturalism:  1) Realism sought to be an accurate representation of life, while Naturalism is more like a "chronicle of despair”.  2) While in Realism the main focus is on the working class and its problems, Naturalism favors the lower class and outcasts of society for its characters and taboo.  3) In Realism, settings can be described in great detail, but are described accurately and realistically. In Naturalism, Nature itself is portrayed as an indifferent, relentless, and overpowering force.