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American Regionalism, Realism, and Naturalism 1860-1920(ish) Why did Realism develop? The Civil War The urbanization and industrialization of America As a reaction to Romanticism Increasing rates of democracy and literacy The emerging middle class Upheaval and social change in the latter half of the 19th century What is Realism? A faithful representation of reality in literature, also known as “verisimilitude.” Emphasis on development of believable characters. Written in natural vernacular, or dialect. Prominent from 1860-1890. Characteristics of Realism Reaction against Romanticism and Neoclassicism Factual is more important than the intellectual or the emotional Treats nature objectively, but views it as orderly Tells the stories of everyday people Use of details more important than plot In diction, seeks to use natural language Atheistic Life is driven by fate Realist Writers Mark Twain William Dean Howells Henry James Edgar Lee Masters Why did Regionalism develop? Dual influence of Romanticism and Realism The Civil War and the building of a national identity An outgrowth of realism with more focus on a particular setting and its influence over characters What is Regionalism? Often called “local color.” Focuses on characters, dialect, customs, topography, and other features specific to a certain region (eg. the South) Coincided with Realism and sharing many of the same traits. Prominent from 1865-1895. Regionalist Writers Kate Chopin— South Mary E. WilkinsFreeman—New England Mark Twain—West Willa Cather— Midwest Why did Naturalism develop? The swell of immigrants in the latter half of the 19th century, which led to a larger lower class and increased poverty in the cities The prominence of psychology and the theories of Sigmund Freud Pessimism in the wake of the Civil War and Reconstruction Publication of Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species What is Naturalism? Applied scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to the study of human beings. Influenced by Darwinism (natural selection) and psychology (Freud) Posited that me9999999999999999999999n were governed by heredity and environment. Often depict man in conflict with nature, society, or himself. Prominent from 1880-1920(ish) Distinctions of Naturalism Views life from a deterministic, mechanistic point of view. Makes people the subjects of scientific case studies. Tone is often coldly scientific. Uses great masses of details; their informal arrangement reflects the chaotic state of society and nature. In diction, sometimes seems to seek out the ugly word for its own sake. Likely to present nature as chaotic. Studies society dispassionately to correct the evils found there. Drops artificial concepts of plot and action for a "slice of life." Main characters are usually low on the social scale; often morally frail Naturalist Writers Stephen Crane Ambrose Bierce Jack London Edwin Arlington Robinson Katherine Anne Porter Charlotte Perkins Gilman Edith Wharton Points to Remember… Realism, Regionalism, and Naturalism are intertwined and connected. Their influence has dominated most literature created since 1920, though the movement itself is dated to roughly that point. They are truly American modes of writing.