Realism-literary time period

Realism Naturalism
(1865-1910) (1890s-1940s)
 Realism
-literary movement

(1865-1910)
 Origins
Developed in France in the mid 19th c.
Spread to England, Russia, and U.S.

Counter-movement to Romanticism

Realist writers: Kate Chopin, Mark

Twain, and Willa Cather
 Characteristics of Realism
 Realists sought to render common people and
ordinary life accurately in literature and in art.
 Focus on complex characters who are ordinary
people, not heroes or villains.

 Attempted to present life objectively and honestly

without being sentimental or idealistic.
 Use of detached narration

 Focuses on the sharp contrasts in society.

 “Captains of industry” vs. immigrants and laborers.
 Characteristics of Realism
 Depicts true-to-life dialogue that captures the
dialects nuances of speech.

 Portrays ordinary settings and settings that

reflect society and culture. Most settings are
described in great detail.

 Literary realism seeks to explore the key social

issues of the time. Made careful observations of life.
 People-working class
 Social issues-social class and negatives of the
Industrial Revolution.
Urbanization, massive immigration, The Dust Bowl,
The Great Depression
Naturalism
(1890’s-1940’s)
Origins
Originated in France in the late
1800s
Branched off of Realism

Strongly influenced by Charles

Darwin’s ideas

Naturalist writers: Dreiser, Frank

Norris, Jack London, and Stephen
Crane.
 Characteristics of Naturalism
 Like Realists, Naturalists sought to render
common people and ordinary life accurately in
literature and in art.

 Naturalists focused on the harsh realties of the

world.
Pessimistic tone

 Naturalists overemphasized how instinct and

environment affect human behavior.

 Naturalists favored characters in the lower class,

or characters with “taboo” careers or
characteristics.
 Characteristics of Naturalism
 Determinism
Belief that the fate of man is determined by
forces beyond an individual’s control

 Some questions a naturalist writer might

ask:
What motivates people to do the things they
do?
Is life a losing battle?
Are we helpless against forces beyond our
understanding and control? (Fate or nature)
 Structure within Realist and
Naturalist Literature
 Lacks poetic features
 Simplified language

 Repetition of key phrases, settings, and/or ideas.

 Simple plot

 Conflict. Primarily Man vs. Nature or Man vs.

Society. These often lead to Man vs. Self
A man said to the universe:
“Sir, I exist!”
“However,” replied the universe,
“That fact has not created in me a sense
of obligation.”

-Stephen Crane
 3 Differences Between Realism
and Naturalism:
 1) Realism sought to be an accurate
representation of life, while Naturalism is more
like a "chronicle of despair”.

 2) While in Realism the main focus is on the

working class and its problems, Naturalism favors
the lower class and outcasts of society for its
characters and taboo.

 3) In Realism, settings can be described in great

detail, but are described accurately and
realistically. In Naturalism, Nature itself is
portrayed as an indifferent, relentless, and
overpowering force.