1. “The Rise of Realism” Overview Compare to your outline! Add anything you may not have!

2. Historical Overview Time Period: 1861 – 1914 Time Period: 1861 – 1914 Civil War (1861-1865) Civil War (1861-1865) Slavery (abolished in 1865) Slavery (abolished in 1865) Invention of the Model T car – changes life dramatically Invention of the Model T car – changes life dramatically Westward Expansion Westward Expansion Large number of immigrants from Europe looking for a better life Large number of immigrants from Europe looking for a better life More of an interest in analyzing everyday life, and the behavior of humans associated with that life More of an interest in analyzing everyday life, and the behavior of humans associated with that life Journalists / writers expose abuse in industries such as meatpacking plants (political corruption) Journalists / writers expose abuse in industries such as meatpacking plants (political corruption) More realistic attitudes – getting away from that “Romantic” perspective More realistic attitudes – getting away from that “Romantic” perspective

3. Elements of Realism Rejection of the Romantic hero and Romantic literature Rejection of the Romantic hero and Romantic literature Depiction of characters and events in a realistic manner – an attempt to portray “real” life as it really exists Depiction of characters and events in a realistic manner – an attempt to portray “real” life as it really exists Literature typically focuses on ordinary or poverty- stricken characters (the lower class) Literature typically focuses on ordinary or poverty- stricken characters (the lower class) Avoidance of anything exotic, sensational, or overly dramatic Avoidance of anything exotic, sensational, or overly dramatic Literature focuses on real-life situations Literature focuses on real-life situations

4. Elements of Naturalism An extension of Realism An extension of Realism Attempt to analyze human behavior as a scientists might Attempt to analyze human behavior as a scientists might Belief that human behavior is determined by heredity and environment Belief that human behavior is determined by heredity and environment Belief that human beings can’t control their own destinies Belief that human beings can’t control their own destinies Belief that life is a losing battle against an uncaring universe Belief that life is a losing battle against an uncaring universe