1. Short Story: Realism
(Maupassant, etc.)

2. REALISM
Describes both style and subject matter
Reaction to/rejection of Romanticism
Rejects most emotional reaction, characterization, themes
Relies less on atmosphere and mood than on factual description, detail, and character interaction
Focuses on “real-world” events rather than reaching for “ideals”
Depicts objectively, rather than subjectively
Resists exotic settings, plot twists, etc.
focuses on middle-class/bourgeois life, not on exploits and adventures of kings, heroes, etc. unless in relation to middle class/bourgeoisie (so Chaucer an early version); few extraordinary characters (as in Poe)

3. REALISM
Seeks accurate portrayal of the ordinary world
verisimilitude
concentrates on detailed true-to-life descriptions (almost mimesis or the mimetic)
favors literal over figurative, but can appeal to figurative as well (by extension)
emphasizes the here-and-now (immediacy), specific action and verifiable consequences

4. REALISM
Depicts unrecognized drama of actual life and plausible real-world events (not explicit fantasy, although still fiction)
conflicts/tensions are often social, so character interaction drives plot
Often offers social commentary through attention to “real-life” scenes, character interaction, etc.
Since focuses on working-class/bourgeois characters, frequently democratic in tone or perspective
Often intended to serve a social purpose (to depict details of life in socially-classed societies)
Often firmly grounded in actual history