Realism

Realism

Realism is a way of thinking and acting based on facts and what is possible, rather than on hopes for things that are unlikely to happen. In philosophy, realism is the viewpoint that accords to things that are known or perceived an existence or nature, which is independent of whether anyone is thinking about perceiving them. This period ages from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century (Hale, 1999).

Characteristic features

• Focus on everyday life - realist literature often portrays ordinary, everyday situations and characters

• Detailed descriptions - realist writers emphasize detailed descriptions of setting and characters and events

• Objective narration - the narrator refrains from inserting personal opinions or judgements

• Social critique - many realist works address issues such as class, gender, and ecomonic conditions

Important realism authors

• Mark Twain - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

• Leo Tolstoy - Anna Karenina

• Fyodor Dostoevsky - Crime and Punishment

• Charles Dickens - Oliver Twist

• Honoré de Balzac - Father Goriot

Sources

Hale, B. (1999, July 26). Realism | Definition, Theory, Philosophy, History, & Varieties. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/realism-philosophy

Realism. (2024). https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/realism

What is literary realism? Definition and examples of the realism genre in literature. (2021, September 10). MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-literary-realism#6ywdliPLRhyyzxhwRfxmoq

Samuel Pleštil, 537576