1. American Regionalism, Realism, and Naturalism
(ish)

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 Mark Twain William Dean Howells Henry James
Edgar Lee Masters

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 sharing many of the same traits.
Prominent from

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

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?
Applied scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to the study of human beings.
Influenced by Darwinism (natural selection) and psychology (Freud)
Posited that men were governed by heredity and environment.
Often depict man in conflict with nature, society, or himself.
Prominent from (ish)

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

10. Why did Naturalism develop?
The swell of immigrants in the latter half of the 19th century, which led to a larger lower class and increased poverty in the cities
The prominence of psychology and the theories of Sigmund Freud
Pessimism in the wake of the Civil War and Reconstruction
Publication of Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species

11. Points to Remember…
Realism, Regionalism, and Naturalism are intertwined and connected.
Their influence has dominated most literature created since 1920, though the movement itself is dated to roughly that point.
They are truly American modes of writing.