Realism and Naturalism American Literature

Broadly defined as "the faithful representation of reality," Realism is: a literary technique practiced by many schools of writing a particular kind of subject matter, especially the representation of middle-class life

Realism was influenced by: reaction against Romanticism an interest in scientific method the study of documentary history the influence of rational philosophy

According to William Harmon and Hugh Holman, “ According to William Harmon and Hugh Holman, “. . . realists center their attention to a remarkable degree on the immediate, the here and now, the specific action, and the verifiable consequence" (A Handbook to Literature 428).

In American literature, the term "realism" encompasses the period of time from the Civil War to the turn of the century during which William Dean Howells, Rebecca Harding Davis, Henry James, Mark Twain, and others wrote fiction devoted to accurate representation and an exploration of American lives in various contexts.

The following slides contain information about the characteristics of literature from the period of Realism and Naturalism. For each slide, you should read the information provided and then paraphrase it (put in your words) on your page of notes. Use an online dictionary to look up any words that aren’t familiar.

Realism and Naturalism Renders reality closely and in comprehensive detail -- Selective presentation of reality with an emphasis on verisimilitude, even at the expense of a well- made plot The detail in the top picture is very realistic, whereas the bottom loses detail and becomes more abstract.

Realism and Naturalism Character is more important than action and plot; complex ethical choices are often the subject. plot character

Realism and Naturalism Characters appear in their real complexity of temperament and motive; they are in explicable relation to nature, to each other, to their social class, to their own past.

Realism and Naturalism Class is important; the novel has traditionally served the interests and aspirations of an insurgent middle class. (See Ian Watt, The Rise of the Novel)

Realism and Naturalism Events will usually be plausible. Realistic novels avoid the sensational, dramatic elements typical of Romantic literature.

Realism and Naturalism Diction is natural vernacular, not heightened or poetic; tone may be comic, satiric, or matter-of-fact. “YOU don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain't no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly. There was things which he stretched, but mainly he told the truth. That is nothing. I never seen anybody but lied one time or another, without it was Aunt Polly, or the widow, or maybe Mary.” -The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Realism and Naturalism Objectivity in presentation becomes increasingly important. The picture being painted in words by the author should be as straightforward and clear as possible.

Naturalism The term Naturalism describes a type of literature that attempts to apply scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to its study of human beings. Unlike Realism, which focuses on literary technique, naturalism implies a philosophical position: for naturalistic writers, since human beings are, in Emile Zola's phrase, "human beasts," characters can be studied through their relationships to their surroundings.

Through this objective study of human beings, naturalistic writers believed that the laws behind the forces that govern human lives might be studied and understood. Naturalistic writers thus used a version of the scientific method to write their novels; they studied human beings governed by their instincts and passions as well as the ways in which the characters' lives were governed by forces of heredity and environment.

You’ve studied Romanticism and Transcendentalism, and now you’ve been introduced to Realism and Naturalism. Explain at least three clear differences between the two literary periods. Why would war make a suitable subject for Realism? What types of conflicts would you expect to be present in works of Realism and Naturalism?

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce How did Ambrose Bierce gain his nickname? How does that make him an ideal author during Realism and Naturalism?

Post Reading for “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” Answer the following: Which events really take place? Which events are imagined? Which events take place in the past, present, future? At what point(s) does the point of view shift? What elements of Naturalism/Realism are present? List the events of the story in chronological order.

“Chickamauga” Listen to the reading of “Chickamauga.” Answer: What elements of Naturalism/Realism are present? What is your emotional reaction to the piece? How does this piece affect your perceptions of the true nature of war?