Emergence of Realism in Nineteenth Century

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Emergence of Realism in Nineteenth Century During the mid-to-late 19th century, Realism, an effective literary and artistic movement was on the rise. There were many factors contributing to the strong emergence of Realism, a reaction against romanticism, an interest in scientific method, the systematizing of the study of documentary history, and the influence of rational philosophy (Chase). In Realism the details along with cause and effect of environment and of circumstance, become the grounds for exploration of human values and fate, which in turn places the emphasis on the individual and their social surroundings. In definition Realism is, "the creation of the effect of the representation of the concrete, historical nature of human life" (Longman). As an artistic movement it is the product and expression of the dominant mood of its time. It is considered a pervasive rationalistic epistemology that turned its back on the fantasies of Romanticism and was shaped instead by the impact of the political and social changes as well as the scientific and industrial advances of the day (Longman). Realism is considered to be the representation of the common life during a time when man was seen as a secular being living amongst a world not transformed or informed by spiritual presence, and what was real was what could be demonstrated physically. Also Realism represented during an age when individual rights had been derived with a consequent focus on self as the object of moral and political concern and importance. Many saw realism as being faithful to experiences of life lived in a physical and social environment. Realism's strongest argument was that it was a representation of ... ... middle of paper ... ...adelphia, PA: Lippincott, 1954. Chase, Richard. The American Novel and Its Tradition. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1957. Longman. "Notes on Realism", Internet. www.brocku.ca/english/courses/ 2F55/realism.html. October 8, 1997. Lye, Jon. "Notes on Realism", Internet. www.brocku.ca/english/ courses/2F55/realism.html. October 8, 1997. Bibliography: Works Cited Carter, Everett. Howells and the Age of Realism. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, 1954. Chase, Richard. The American Novel and Its Tradition. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1957. Longman. "Notes on Realism", Internet. www.brocku.ca/english/courses/ 2F55/realism.html. October 8, 1997. Lye, Jon. "Notes on Realism", Internet. www.brocku.ca/english/ courses/2F55/realism.html. October 8, 1997.

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