REALism

1. REALism Dylan Moan Sydney Kantor Dennis Maccarthy

2. What is Realism? • Defined as "the faithful representation of reality" or "verisimilitude“ • Generally depicts the lives of those who live in the middle-class • In American literature, the term "realism" encompasses the period of time from the Civil War to the turn of the century (1860-1890) • Realists were pragmatic, relativistic, democratic and experimental.  The purpose of writing is to instruct and to entertain.

3. Causes • The United States began to grow rapidly after the Civil War • Increased rates of democracy and literacy • Rapid growth in industrialism and urbanization • Expanding population base due to immigration • Rise in middle class affluence • Science begins to advance and impact of religion decreases while importance of humans as individuals increases

4. Characteristics • Character is more important than action and plot; complex ethical choices are often the subject. • Characters appear in their real complexity of temperament and motive • Class is important; the novel has traditionally served the interests and aspirations of the middle class. • Events will usually be plausible, they avoid the sensational, dramatic elements of naturalistic novels and romances.

5. Characteristics contd. • Portrays reality closely and in comprehensive detail. • Selective presentation of reality with an emphasis on verisimilitude, even at the expense of a well-made plot • Diction is natural vernacular, not heightened or poetic; tone may be comic, satiric, or matter-of-fact. • The use of symbolism is controlled and limited; the realists depend more on the use of images.

6. Factors of Realsim • Factories and slums • Workers and bosses • Social outcasts • Corrupt politicians and petty criminals

7. Notable Authors • William Dean Howells • A Modern Instance • "I know, indeed, of nothing more subtle satisfying and cheering than a knowledge of the real good will and appreciation of others. Such happiness does not come with money, nor does it flow from a fine physical state. It cannot be bought. But it is the keenest joy, after all; and the toiler's truest and best reward." - William Dean Howells

8. Henry James • The Portrait of a Lady • "You wanted to look at life for yourself--but you were not allowed; you were punished for your wish. You were ground in the very mill of the conventional!“ -The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

9. Mark Twain • The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn • The Lowest Animal • Cannibalism in the Cars • “The Widow Douglas she took me for her son, and allowed she would sivilize me; but it was rough living in the house all the time, considering how dismal regular and decent the widow was in all her ways;” -The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain