Realism in Literature A response to Romanticism What

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Realism in Literature A response to Romanticism

Realism in Literature A response to Romanticism

What is Realism? • American Realism is a style in art, music, and literature

What is Realism? • American Realism is a style in art, music, and literature that depicts the lives and everyday activities of ordinary people. • The movement began in the late 19 th century.

How did it come about? • The rise of Realism was actually a reaction

How did it come about? • The rise of Realism was actually a reaction against Romanticism.

Romanticism • An artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe in the

Romanticism • An artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe in the late 1700 s. • An idealized view of reality • Romanticism focused on individualism, appreciation for the natural world, idealism, physical and emotional passion, and the supernatural.

Romanticism con’t • Since Romanticism was introduced during a time of growth in the

Romanticism con’t • Since Romanticism was introduced during a time of growth in the US, the literature reflected on ideas such as optimism, opportunity, and love. • Characteristics: Plot-focused, imaginative, positive, emotionally intense, and not very realistic

Realism as a response to Romanticism • As the 19 th century went on,

Realism as a response to Romanticism • As the 19 th century went on, industrialization and urbanization led to major social and economic changes • The rich and poor became divided • There was a new need for literature that reflected people’s lives– their REAL lives

What does Realism Focus on? • The immediate; the “here and now” • Specific

What does Realism Focus on? • The immediate; the “here and now” • Specific actions • Consequences of actions • Moral questions – concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior

Characteristics of Realism • Focuses on reality • Characters are more important than action

Characteristics of Realism • Focuses on reality • Characters are more important than action and plot • Characters display real human qualities such as temper, selfishness, and insecurities • Social class is important (low, middle, and upper class)

Characteristics of Realism con’t • Events are believable. Realistic novels stay away from dramatic

Characteristics of Realism con’t • Events are believable. Realistic novels stay away from dramatic stories and romances. • Natural diction (word choice) • Tone is NOT poetic; instead, may be comic, satiric, or matter-of-fact

Groups • For your novel, research the plot and decide why it is an

Groups • For your novel, research the plot and decide why it is an example of realism. Prepare to share with the class. • • Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton Great Expectations by Charles Dickens The Pearl by John Steinbeck