1. American Regionalism, Realism, and Naturalism

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

3. Realist Writers Bret Harte Henry James Edgar Lee Masters
E. A. Robinson
Mark Twain

4. Why did Realism develop?
The Civil War
The urbanization and industrialization of America
As a reaction to Romanticism
Increasing rates of democracy and literacy
The emerging middle class
Upheaval and social change in the latter half of the 19th century

5. What is Regionalism? 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 shared many of the same traits.
Prominent from

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

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

8. What is Naturalism?
Applies scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to humanity.
Influenced by Darwinism (natural selection) and psychology (Freud)
Asserts that people are governed by heredity and environment.
Often depicts humanity in conflict with nature, society, or itself.
Prominent from (ish)

9. Naturalist Writers Stephen Crane Jack London Katherine Anne Porter
Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Edith Wharton
Ambrose Bierce

10. Why did Naturalism develop?
Increasing immigration, , which increased lower class and urban poverty
Prominence of psychology and theories of Sigmund Freud
Pessimism after Civil War and Reconstruction
Publication of Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species

11. Points to Remember…
Realism, Regionalism, and Naturalism intertwine and connect.
Their influence has dominated most literature created since 1920, though the movement itself is dated to roughly that point.
These are truly American modes of writing:
"All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn,” novelist Ernest Hemingway would later write.