A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023
Realism
Definition: Literary style refers to the unique and recognizable way in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas, depict characters, and create a world within a written work. In the context of realism, literary style aims to portray everyday life and human experiences in a manner that is true to reality, focusing on the objective representation of ordinary people, places, and events without idealization or embellishment.
Key Features of Realism:
1. Objective Representation: Realism seeks to represent reality as objectively as possible, often documenting the details of everyday life, social interactions, and environments. It avoids romanticizing or exaggerating situations, characters, or events.
2. Character Depth and Psychological Realism: Realist writers emphasize psychological depth in their characters. They explore characters' inner thoughts, emotions, and motivations, portraying them as complex individuals with strengths and flaws.
3. Plausible and Logical Plot: Realist literature tends to feature plots that are plausible and logical within the context of the story's setting and characters. Events unfold in a way that aligns with how events might transpire in the real world.
4. Dialect and Authentic Dialogue: Realism often incorporates authentic dialogue, including regional dialects and colloquial language, to accurately represent the speech patterns of different social classes and cultural backgrounds.
5. Social Commentary: Realism frequently addresses social issues, including class disparities, economic challenges, and the impact of industrialization. It aims to shed light on the realities of society and prompt readers to consider these issues critically.
6. Attention to Detail: Realist writers pay close attention to details in descriptions, settings, and character interactions. These details contribute to the overall authenticity of the narrative.
7. Verisimilitude: Realism strives for verisimilitude, which means presenting a story that is believable and convincing, even if it might not be based on actual events.
Representatives of Realism:
1. Gustave Flaubert (1821—1880): A French novelist known for his meticulous attention to detail and psychological realism. His novel "Madame Bovary" is often considered a masterpiece of realist literature, depicting the life of an ordinary woman in provincial France.
2. Leo Tolstoy (1828—1910): A Russian writer famous for his epic novel "War and Peace." Tolstoy's works delve deeply into the lives of diverse characters and explore the broader social and historical context of Russia.
3. Henry James (1843—1916): An American-British writer known for his intricate and psychologically complex novels. His work "The Portrait of a Lady" is a notable example of his exploration of the inner lives of his characters.
4. Thomas Hardy (1840—1928): An English novelist and poet who focused on the struggles of rural characters in his works. "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" and "Far from the Madding Crowd" exemplify his commitment to depicting the realities of rural life.
5. Anton Chekhov (1860—1904): A Russian playwright and short story writer acclaimed for his masterful portrayal of everyday life. His short stories, such as "The Lady with the Dog," exemplify his skill at capturing the nuances of human behavior.
6. Émile Zola (1840—1902): A French writer and critic known for his naturalistic approach to literature. His series of novels, collectively known as "Les Rougon-Macquart," explores the lives of different members of a family against the backdrop of societal change.
These representatives showcase the diverse approaches and themes within realism, highlighting the movement's commitment to presenting life in an accurate and unidealized manner, as well as its focus on the human condition within its social and cultural context.