REALISM BASICS
The Civil War
What major American event helped inspire the rise of Realism in literature?
Setting
Regionalism is most concerned with which literary element?
Realism
Naturalism is a branch of which larger literary movement?
Women
Feminist writers focused on expanding opportunities and rights for whom?
Ordinary people
Realist authors most often wrote about the lives of whom?
Idealized heroes or romanticized adventures
Realist writers aimed to portray life as it was—focusing on everyday people rather than what?
Local customs, dialects, and landscapes
What types of details are commonly emphasized in Regionalist writing?
Environment, heredity, and social conditions
Naturalist writers believed human behavior is most influenced by what?
Marriage, independence, and gender roles
What issues were commonly explored by feminist writers of the late 19th century?
Detailed description
Which literary technique helps make Realist writing believable?
A movement focused on accurate, detailed depictions of ordinary life
What is Realism?
The American South / Mississippi River region
Which region was commonly portrayed by writers like Mark Twain?
Poverty, nature, fate, or social systems
Naturalist characters often struggle against what forces?
By portraying women as complex individuals seeking autonomy
How did feminist writers challenge traditional views of women?
Struggle against social limitations
What theme is common across Realism, Naturalism, and Feminism?
It reflected real social problems and common experiences
Why did many readers find Realist literature more relatable than Romantic literature?
To preserve and highlight unique local cultures
Why did Regionalist writers focus on specific locations?
They have little control over their destinies
How do Naturalist characters differ from Romantic heroes?
It questioned accepted social norms and male authority
Why was feminist literature often controversial during this period?
It adds authenticity and reveals social background
How does dialect contribute to Realist literature?
By rejecting idealism and emphasizing truth, hardship, and moral complexity
How did Realism challenge earlier literary movements like Romanticism?
By using precise, authentic details to portray everyday life truthfully
How does Regionalism support the goals of Realism?
Humans are shaped and often trapped by forces beyond their control
Which idea best summarizes Naturalism?
By portraying the real struggles of women in everyday life
How did feminist writing align with Realism?
It marked a shift toward honest examinations of society and identity
Why is the post–Civil War period especially important to American literature?