1. Realism Circa 1850-1900

2. Realism: Literature which attempts to create in fiction a truthful imitation of ordinary life.

3. Historical Events: Rise of Realism Abolitionist Movement Exposed the horrors of slavery Civil War 620,000 lives were lost Photography records the realities of war Industrial Boom New European immigrants Technological growth – typewriters, telephone, light bulb Move to cities – less focused on nature

4. Historical Events … continued Women’s Movement Fight for the right to vote Other issues: property rights, education, child custody, and wages. The New Frontier 1841, first covered wagons crossed the Great Plains 8 million settlers were transported out west in two decades Native American life was changed forever.

5. Realism… was a reaction against the Romantic’s idealization of nature and the common person. was inspired by the journalist accounts of the Civil War. Replaced romanticism as the dominate way of viewing life, by the end of the Civil War.

6. Local Color Realism Local color realists portrayed: Dialects Dress Customs Mannerisms Landscapes Character types of their region with an eye for accurate detail.

7. Local Color Authors Mark Twain – South Willa Cather – Great Plains Kate Chopin – Deep South Mary Wilkins Freeman – New England