The Rise of Realism: Civil War and Postwar Writing

Influential Writers Whitman: – One of the few writers who witnessed the war first hand (worked in hospital) – Optimistic and idealistic response to war Emerson – Patriotic and idealistic response Melville – Disillusioned by war: changed his perspective on man and innocence – Examined humanity’s basic evil

Literature during the war Very little publication of literature Many writers didn’t write from first-hand experience, but all were effected Needed new types/forms of literature to express horror of war

Realist writers Specific truths about common experiences. Represented environment and life experiences accurately. Explained human behavior (why we do what we do) Dependent on social sciences (psychology and sociology) and biology

Contrast with Romanticism Accurate portrayal in real settings (vs. exotic locales) Objective without idealism (vs. escapism) Focus on ordinary life (vs. extraordinary/spiritual) Incorporation of psychology and irony (vs. emphasis on God in nature)

Regionalism One type of realist writing Emphasized specific geographic location/setting Accurately portrayed dialogue and behavior of people from that region (written the way people spoke)

Naturalism Type of realist writing Characters w/limited choices, subject to natural law of universe Focus on social questions and reform Man vs. Nature, the fragility of man and life

Psychological Fiction Type of realist writing Focused on character motivation (why we do what we do) Explored social and psychological situations – impact of stress, grief, extreme situations, etc.

Ironists Contemplated man’s place in the universe Human arrogance vs. vastness/indifference of the universe