Realism+-+2nd

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__//When was realism? What is realism? //__

Realism was used from the Civil War to about the turn of the century in America (1840's - 1890's). Realism focuses on what actually happens in life and does not shy away from it. A Realist writes literature in a fair, balanced, and uninfluenced manner. In the time where realism was prominent in America, realism concentrated on the Civil War and the repercussions of the Civil War. Effects of the Civil War on Society __** 
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 * __Industrialization: __**

Industrialization rose because of the militaristic needs of the Civil War. This industrialization spurred mass production and urbanization, which gave rise to a stronger middle-class. They worked in the big factories in the mass populated cities across the United States. Realist writers were concerned for the loss of local culture in the shift to an advanced, industrial age. They were concerned because of the lack of individuality in every day American life. Americans were stuck into factories on assembly lines doing the same task often more than 12 hours a day for little wages. Realist writers shed light onto the unappealing reality of these workers. The long hours and small pay resulted in an impoverished class. Upton Sinclair, a realist writer, wrote about the harsh life of a meat-packing factory worker in her book //The Jungle//. She showed how a meat-packing factory was truly inhumane at that time. Her book showed the uncleanliness and gruesome working conditions that the heartless factory owners forced on to the workers. She wanted the workers to band together to achieve improved working conditions by writing about the reality of factory labor. Sinclair prevailed by causing the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act, which made sanitation a priority in factories. 


 * __Intellectually:__**

There was a new, advanced age beginning in America. Education was becoming more widespread and many visionaries and intellectuals were beginning to shape the thoughts and ideas of individuals. The widespread education allowed authors to have extensive audiences. The new idea of evolution introduced by Darwin began to shift the interpretation of life to a struggle for survival, which began to change American literature.



__**Why did the realism movement begin in America? **__

Realism began in a response to romanticism. Realists disagreed with the falseness and melodramatic sense of romantic fiction. Realists believed that one should not hide the bad parts of life, but rather accept and deal with them. Realists did not agree with the symmetry and plot used in romantic fiction. They strayed away from traditional writing techniques by not having symmetry and plot in their fictional works. Simple and straightforward literature without structure was commonly used. Their works consist of storylines that could actually happen in life. Realists were curiously interested in the effect that their novel would have on their audience. The interest in the targeted audience showed how realist valued their audience. They would create characters that dealt with complicated ethical problems in their life to inform the audience of a value they believed. The democratic attitudes of realists were probably the cause for the concern for the individual audiences.

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__**//Twain on Realism: //**__

Some people did not think I was a realist during my period of writing. I understand why these people would think that for when I was first introduced to the idea of realism I did not agree with it. Eventually, I began to understand the dangers of hiding the truth like romantic writers believed. I believed strongly in the realistic movement and wrote many major novels concerning realism. I followed in the footsteps of a good friend and colleague, William Dean Howells. He helped me throughout my literary career by revising and editing my works. Two of my favorite novels were //Huckleberry Finn// and //The Adventures of Tom Sawyer//. Through these novels I hope to warn the public of the dangers of the sentimentality of romanticism. The idealistic fantasies of romanticism can be dangerous. ​ media type="custom" key="4503460"
 * __Other Realist Authors:__

William Dean Howells: ** Howells was one of the most influential realist writers of the period. He had many prestigious titles in literature and studied in various places to receive his knowledge of literature. Howells published works through Henry James and me establishing his side on the "Realism War." Howells instigated the "Realism War" by defending James in an article written for the //Century// and created a bridge between realsim and romanticism. Howells was best known for his realistic fiction works such as //The Rise of Silas Lapham.//

**Henry James:** James may not be as popular as authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and Steven Crane, but he is considered one of the greatest American Realist authors of his time. After a career of over 40 years, some of his most famous novels include //The American,// //The Portrait of a Lady//, and //The Ambassadors.// James is known for a highly advanced writing style, which he used to describe the personalities of his characters. He is a leading realist author though his writings look different from Howells and mine.

**Kate Chopin:** Kate Chopin was unique realistic writer because she gave the view of a woman. Although she was not born in this time period she wrote //The Awakening// that was prominent during the realist era. Her writing was not popular when during her career so she stopped writing because she was very aware of her critics and did not like to disappoint them. //The Awakening// was about a young woman who struggled with personal issues and eventually led her to adultery and suicide. The book showed the reality of what could actually happen to a young woman, although very gruesome.

Visit my Blog: [|Realism into the Future]

__More information on the realistic period and movement:__ - [|Mark Twain's Realistic Adventure] - [|Realism]​