1. Regionalism
Local Color

2. History After the Civil War the nation was reunited and transformed
Writers responded by attempting to preserve in their writing the distinct character of America’s regions and to come to terms with some of its harsh new realities
The Civil War left the South in ruins
The federal gov’t had to come up with a plan to solve these problems and to readmit the Southern states to the union
RECONSTRUCTION
Although American’s were glad to move past the divisiveness of the war years, they regretted loosing their regional identities and were unsettled by the many changes talking place in the country.

3. History In 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed
-new settlers
-westward expansion
-Expanded industry
Industries success created a better life for many Americans
However, for a few, it brought great wealth while others suffered poverty and hardship

4. Regionalism Settings thoroughly familiar to the writer
Realistic Techniques
Settings thoroughly familiar to the writer
Plots emphasize the norm of experience
Ordinary characters are studies in depth
Complete authorial objective
Responsible morality; a world truly reported
Characteristics
Subject matter is drawn from “our experience”
Emphasis is placed upon scenic presentation
Belief that humans control their destinies; characters act on the environment rather than simply reacting to it
Symbolism—controlled, limited; emphasis on use of images

5. Writers Bret Harte Mark Twain Harriet Beecher Stowe
Mary Wilkins Freeman
Charles Chesnutt
Sara O Jewett
THEIR VERSIONS OF LIFE ON THE FRONTEIR CAPTURED THE IMAGINATION OF READERS IN THE MORE SETTLED COMMUNITIES OF THE EAST, MIDWEST, AND SOUTH

6. readers
For those who could not hop abroad the new transcontinental train and see the country for themselves, reading all about it was the next best thing
Americans were fascinated by tales of life in the mining camps, on the cattle ranches, and in the frontier towns.
Regionalism satisfied their curiosity with its honest portrayals of the people and their way of life in different areas of the country.