1. Realism Notes Discontent of Women

2. Literature of the Civil War and Beyond 1850-1914 As the United States grew rapidly after the Civil War, the increasing rates of democracy and literacy from: – the rapid growth in industrialism and urbanization – an expanding population due to immigration – a rise in middle-class affluence Non-fiction pieces depicting ills and hardships of war were predominant Anti-slavery literature was born and became widespread (Uncle Tom’s Cabin) Literature reflects discontent with widespread poverty/destruction due to war Social ills due to industrialization were often showcased Reflects a loss of innocence and national idealism due to hardships

3. Realism Writers turned away from Romanticism and focused on portraying “real life” as ordinary people lived it Characters and people are portrayed with an amoral attitude—honest, objective, factual perspective (no judgment) Events will usually be plausible. Realistic novels avoid the sensational, dramatic elements Character is more important than action and plot; complex ethical choices are often the subject Diction is natural vernacular, not heightened or poetic; tone may be comic, satiric, or matter-of-fact Class is important; the novel has traditionally served the interests and aspirations of the middle class

4. Naturalism (Similar to Realism, but with additional characteristics) A bias exists in this form—usually pessimistic, depressing Hardship influenced these writers Belief that forces larger than the individual shape his/her destiny: nature, fate, heredity (Jack London’s To Build a Fire)

5. The Angel of the House

6. The “angel” was the ideal woman of the time She had no desires of her own, no ambitions or careers except taking care of her family and home These women were very happy and content They were pregnant frequently due to the restrictions on birth control They cared for their homes, husbands, and children, played music, sang, or drew to enhance the charm of their homes and to reflect well on their husbands. Wives were possessions, cared for and displayed, who often brought a dowry or inherited wealth to a marriage

7. Equality and Independence Kate Chopin stories were written during a time of great change—rebellion against the “Angel.” In the early- to mid-nineteenth century, a woman's place was in the private domain of the home, in the roles of wife and mother. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton held the first women's right convention in July of 1848 (two years before Chopin was born) in Seneca Falls New York. The suffrage movement and the abolitionist movement grew rapidly during the Civil War. Suffragists pushed on until 1870 when the 15th Amendment allowed the right to vote regardless of color or creed but not gender (that would not come until 1920). The concept of "The New Woman" began to circulate in the 1890s-1910s as women pushed for broader roles outside their home based on intelligence and non-domestic skills and talents.