Realism

Realism in Literature: Characteristics, Themes, and Weaknesses.

Realism emerged in the 19th century, beginning in France and later spreading to England. Prominent writers associated with the Realist movement include Honoré de Balzac, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Charles Dickens. Realism is primarily expressed through the novel, which serves as the ideal medium for depicting real life. It opposes romance, focusing instead on the ordinary aspects of existence, free from the idealization and embellishment typical of romantic literature.

Key Characteristics of Realism:

Broad Range of Views: Each writer's realism may differ, reflecting their unique perspectives on society, life, and human nature.

Attempt to Depict Life: The central motivation of realism is to depict life as it truly is, without resorting to fantastical or exaggerated portrayals.

Rejection of Miraculous Events: Realism avoids mythical and supernatural elements, opting for depictions grounded in reality.

Realistic Characters: Larger-than-life characters with incredible abilities have no place in realist literature. The focus is on characters who are true to life, with ordinary traits and experiences.

Social Position and Cultural Attitude: Characters are expected to reflect their social positions and cultural backgrounds, revealing important aspects of their identity and experiences.

In realist literature, character psychology plays a crucial role. Writers provide detailed descriptions of the inner workings of their characters' minds. The language used is often simple and reflective of everyday life, further grounding the story in reality. The social class of characters is often emphasized, as class distinctions become central to the narrative. Objectivity is key for realist writers, who strive to remain impartial and detached.

Determinism and Realism;

A key feature of 19th-century realism is its connection to determinism, which suggests that human behavior is shaped by external forces such as culture, environment, and history. This perspective challenges the notion of free will, setting the stage for the development of naturalism, a subgenre of realism that explores the influence of these forces in even greater detail.

Realism vs. Anti-Realism;

Anti-realism refers to movements that disregard the importance of reality. Magic realism, for example, blends realism with anti-realism. It incorporates fantastical and magical elements into a story while maintaining a tone of objective realism. In this way, the form remains realistic, but the content veers into the fantastical.

The response to realism is often rooted in skepticism, which questions whether reality can truly be captured in art or whether it is even worth attempting to do so. The argument "there is no outside the text" suggests that a novel can only reference the fictional world it creates, and cannot fully represent the external world.

Realism and the Novel;

Many critics associate realism with the 19th-century novel, claiming that it helped establish the novel as a dominant literary form. Realist novels feature a detailed, often unflinching portrayal of everyday life, social classes, and economic disparities. The portrayal of material objects, such as clothing, furniture, and food, is often highly detailed, creating a vivid picture of the characters' worlds. Realist writers aim for accuracy and completeness in their depictions.

Weaknesses of Realism;

While realism has been celebrated for its focus on portraying life as it truly is, it has also faced criticism.

Obsession with Physical Details: Critics argue that realist works can become bogged down in minutiae, sounding more like social documents or guidebooks than works of fiction.

Blurring of Art and History: Realism can sometimes confuse the distinction between art and sociology or history. Realist writers may present themselves as historians rather than as creators of fictional works, neglecting the imaginative aspects of storytelling.

Themes in Realist Literature;

Social and Economic Class Conflict: Realist works delve into class struggles and social inequalities. For example, in David Copperfield, Dickens explores issues of poverty and class, showing how characters navigate the challenges of their social standing.

Industrialization: The impact of industrialization on urban life is another common theme. In Hard Times, Dickens portrays a bleak, industrial cityscape, emphasizing the dehumanizing effects of factory life.

Philosophy and Morality: Realists examine human behavior and ethics in a nuanced, often critical manner. The philosophical underpinnings of their work often highlight the tension between individual desires and societal pressures.

Marriage and Family: Realist novels frequently address the complexities of marriage, family dynamics, and personal relationships. In Great Expectations, Dickens discusses the emotional turmoil of an orphan and the role of family in shaping personal identity.

The Realist Narrator;

In realist works, the narrator is often omniscient, able to access the thoughts and feelings of all characters. This objective narrative voice enables the writer to present a detached, impartial view of the world. The setting in realist works is culturally significant, as it provides a lens through which to examine society. Detailed imagery helps convey a vivid picture of the characters' environments, whether it’s city life or rural settings.

Realism in Dickens’ Works;

In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens introduces the character of Scrooge, a miserly businessman who is visited by three spirits. Although the work features supernatural elements, it remains grounded in social critique, reflecting Dickens’ interest in societal issues. Dickens’ works often read like documentaries, focusing on everyday life and presenting social injustices with the hope of sparking change.