A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023
Romantic Realism
Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas and create a unique aesthetic in their written work. Romantic Realism is a hybrid literary style that emerged in the 19th century, combining elements of both Romanticism and Realism. It seeks to depict reality in a detailed and truthful manner while also exploring emotional and imaginative aspects, often focusing on individual experiences and emotions within a larger societal context.
Key Features of Romantic Realism in Literature:
1. Blend of Romanticism and Realism: Romantic Realism combines the emotional intensity, imagination, and subjectivity of Romanticism with the detailed observation, accuracy, and representation of reality found in Realism.
2. Exploration of Inner Worlds: Romantic Realism delves into characters' inner lives, emotions, and psychological experiences. It portrays the complexity of human feelings and desires.
3. Focus on Individuality: Characters in Romantic Realist works are often individuals with unique experiences, emotions, and aspirations. Their personal stories unfold against the backdrop of broader social contexts.
4. Attention to Detail: Similar to Realism, Romantic Realism pays close attention to details of everyday life, often using meticulous descriptions to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy.
5. Emotional Resonance: While depicting reality, Romantic Realism maintains an emotional resonance through vivid language, sensory imagery, and exploration of characters' emotional journeys.
6. Exploration of Nature and Emotions: Romantic Realism may incorporate elements of nature as symbolic representations of characters' emotions or inner struggles, drawing on Romanticism's connection between nature and the human psyche.
7. Social and Political Context: Romantic Realism often reflects the societal and political issues of the time, portraying characters' interactions with their surroundings and their responses to larger historical forces.
Representatives of Romantic Realism:
1. Gustave Flaubert (1821—1880): A French novelist known for his precise and detailed descriptions in works such as "Madame Bovary." His writing combines the emotional depth of Romanticism with the accuracy of Realism.
2. Emily Brontë (1818—1848): An English novelist famous for her novel "Wuthering Heights," which combines intense emotions, complex characters, and a realistic portrayal of social conditions.
3. George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) (1819—1880): An English author whose novels, such as "Middlemarch," explore the inner lives of characters while examining the social realities of Victorian England.
4. Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821—1881): A Russian novelist known for his psychologically complex characters and exploration of existential themes in works like "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov."
5. Thomas Hardy (1840—1928): An English author whose novels, such as "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," combine a realistic portrayal of rural life with a focus on characters' emotional struggles.
These representatives exemplify the key features of Romantic Realism, showcasing how this style combines the emotional depth of Romanticism with the detailed portrayal of reality found in Realism, creating a nuanced and engaging literary experience.