Try of higher and secondary specialized education of the republic of uzbekistan jizzakh state pedagogical institute

Chapter I. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF THE TWENTIETH

1.1. What is Realism in literature?

It’s time to get real! Literary realism that is. Explore what literary realism is along with the history of the genre. Get information on the elements of realism in literature and examples. You’ll also learn the different types of literary realism at play.

Realism in Literature

When trying to understand realism in literature, just think of the word real. Rather than applying filters or fantasy to your fictional world, realism is based on “real” everyday life. So, realism in literature is like that photo you take before adding all your Snapchat filters. In realism, you’ll find characters with genuine jobs and problems.

For example, a work of realism might chronicle the life of an average farmer. Rather than fun metaphors or imagery, a realistic writer would show you the undramatized life and dialect of the area.¹

History of Realism

Realism finds its roots in the early nineteenth century. The genre was a response to romanticism. Realist artists and writers wanted to get back to observations of society rather than creating exotic romantic works that are out of touch with the real world. One of the most famous early literary works showing realism in literature was The Human Comedy by Honore de Balzac. This was a series of 90 or so books examining French society.